Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 5

Written Answers. - Vaccination Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

174 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to have investigations made into the link between the MMR vaccine with autism and bowel problems in people who were vaccinated with MMR; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14096/00]

Dan Neville

Question:

195 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department are examining international studies which suggests a link between autism and the MMR vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14300/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.

On an ongoing basis, my Department, the Irish Medicines Board and the appropriate pro fessional bodies monitor the situation nationally and internationally in relation to the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. The available evidence about the MMR vaccine has been examined and the advice of the national immunisation committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has been sought. All of the expert advice available to me is that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective and that there is no evidence of a causal relationship between the MMR vaccine and either chronic inflammatory bowel disease or autism. This is supported by a number of well-validated studies on this issue. Recent media reports on this issue relate to an alleged association between measles and autism. However, the research concerned has not been published and so independent experts, both in Ireland and elsewhere, have been unable to examine the evidence for the statements which have reportedly been made.

There have been almost 900 cases of measles to date this year and two deaths associated with the disease. In these circumstances it is especially important that the maximum number of children are protected against the disease and I would, therefore, urge parents to avail of this vaccination for their children.