Vol. 560 No. 5
108 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason parents who sought immunisations records of their children have, in the majority of cases, been told that the records are not available, despite the fact that his Department has issued uptake figures going back to 1955; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3140/03]
My Department does not hold individual child immunisation records. Under the current GP-delivered primary childhood immunisation programme, which commenced in December 1995, such records must be retained by the individual general practitioners concerned and details must also be provided to the relevant health board. Health boards endeavour to facilitate requests for individual immunisation records but the extent to which such records are available for the pre-1995 period may vary according to the time which has elapsed since a child was immunised. Compilation of uptake data was based on summary information supplied to the Department; individuals immunisation records were not provided. I trust this clarifies the matter.
109 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to introduce a compensation scheme for those who have suffered adverse reactions to vaccines as recommended by the Oireachtas joint committee report of July 2001; if he has studied similar schemes in the UK and the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3141/03]
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children in its report on Childhood Immunisation considered that:
In the light of the huge benefits of immunisation and the small number of children who experience serious adverse reactions that a no-fault compensation scheme should be introduced in Ireland.
My officials are currently examining details of vaccine injury compensation schemes in place in other countries. On completion of this examination, further investigation will take place into the clinical and administrative aspects of the most relevant models examined and a report on the issue will be prepared. At that stage I will consider the introduction of such a scheme.
