To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the appointment of a Clinical Lead for myalgic encephalomyelitis.

At least two attempts have been made to secure a clinical lead, and Belfast Trust remains unable to fill the post. I am disappointed at the time it is taking to find a willing and qualified lead.

The funding, which equates to a 0.5 Whole Time Equivalent consultant position, will continue to be protected for the position while my officials work with Trusts and local charities to find a solution.

There are a number of challenges to overcome in this area, for example the lack of specialist training and specialist understanding about ME/CFS; variation in service models; and the range of related conditions adding to the complexity surrounding diagnosis and management.

My officials continue to engage with various charitable organisations associated with ME/CFS, most recently in March, and will continue to examine potential ways forward.

We have already begun to increase awareness among General Practitioners through webinar education sessions and I am also grateful to the charities concerned in their work to increase awareness and understanding of ME/CFS among medical students.

I can also confirm the Strategic Planning and Performance Group, with the Public Health Agency, is actively exploring the potential of including new ME/CFS referrals within the Long COVID service model being developed for later in the year.

Combining new referrals for Long COVID and suspected ME/CFS is possible due to the common symptoms experienced. Whilst not the long-term solution, we know we can offer something better than is currently available.

It is also our ambition that a larger team of specialists, delivering across Northern Ireland, will improve the opportunities of attracting a clinical lead.