Vol. 514 No. 2
93 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Employers Agency has reached agreement with the IMO on arrangements for the provision of the influenza vaccine; if he will re-imburse persons who have medical cards and who availed of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3885/00]
Agreement has not been reached with the Irish Medical Organisation in relation to the administration of influenza vaccine to medical card holders in the at-risk groups. The offer extended by the Health Service Employers Agency to refer the issues to an independent third party remains open.
The IMO indicated on 7 October 1999 that it had asked its members to provide the vaccine free of charge to medical card holders. In any case where such a patient was charged a fee for the administration of the vaccine, it would be a matter for the relevant health board to decide the appropriate course of action.
