In a debate on DLA in the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday 20^th October 2008 Margaret Ritchie (Social Democratic and Labour Party) included fibromyalgia in a list of complex and disabling illnesses about which decision makers are trained.

"I note the Committee’s concerns about the decision-making and evidence-gathering process. Decisions on entitlement involve a high degree of judgement and the interpretation of detailed medical evidence. To facilitate that, decision-makers are specifically trained on a comprehensive 12-week programme. That training is enhanced by the provision of medical education awareness seminars, given by experienced medical professionals, on complex disabilities, such as autism, fibromyalgia and cancer. Full-time medical officers are also on site to provide assistance to decision-makers on any medical issues that arise during the processing of claims."

You can read the full debate here.