Vol. 509 No. 1
204 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make provision for special funding for the vaccination of persons with a mental handicap and for staff working with them who may be considered at risk; if his Department will monitor this vaccination programme to encourage uptake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19556/99]
I assume the Deputy's question refers to vaccination against hepatitis B. The immunisation advisory committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland recommends immunisation against hepatitis B for residents and carers in institutions for persons with intellectual disability. Additional revenue funding was provided for the health boards and voluntary intellectual disability agencies by my Department in 1995 for the provision of hepatitis B vaccinations for staff working in the intellectual disability services and client groups considered to be at risk. This funding has continued to be provided in the agencies' budgets. The question of additional funding in 2000 and associated administrative arrangements for the provision of hepatitis B vaccinations for certain at risk groups is being examined by my Department.
