Vol. 435 No. 9
37 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has for the restructuring of the immunisation schemes in view of the serious inadequacies highlighted by the measles epidemic in Dublin during the summer; the steps, if any, he has taken to settle the dispute with the Irish Medical Organisation which has led to their threat to withdraw from the vaccination schemes from the end of this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
84 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, he proposes to take to increase the uptake of childhood vaccinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 84 together. I have indicated on a number of occasions that there is room for improvement in the uptake of childhood vaccinations and in particular MMR. I have launched a number of initiatives this year to bring this about and would hope to launch further measures next year. The question of increasing the uptake of the primary immunisation will also be dealt with in the forthcoming National Health Strategy. Meanwhile, I have established a working group under the chairmanship of the Chief Medical Officer of my Department to review the existing arrangements for the delivery of vaccinations and to make recommendations on cost effective options to improve the uptake and quality of the existing service. This group which includes representatives from the appropriate organisations including the Irish Medical Organisation have been asked to report as a matter of urgency.
