asked the Minister for Justice the likely cost of providing a vaccine against hepatitis B for all members of the Garda Síochána who are in any way endangered by contact with carriers of this disease; if he plans to make such a vaccine available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Hepatitis Protection for Garda Síochána.
22.
Since July 1987 vaccine against hepatitis B has been available at State expense to members of the Garda Síochána who have a genuine case for receiving it, based on the nature of the duties they discharge. It is a matter for individual decision by each member concerned whether to avail of the vaccine.
Vaccine is also available at State expense on an emergency basis to members who have not previously been vaccinated and who are injured while on duty in circumstances where there is reason to believe that hepatitis B might be contracted.
I am not in a position to say what the overall cost of providing the vaccine is likely to be as this depends in large measure on the number of gardaí who require and who decide to be vaccinated. The cost per vaccination is about £35 where this is provided by the Garda surgeon and somewhat more when it is provided, on a recoupment basis, by an individual member's general practitioner.