Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
578 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the compensation for children damaged by vaccines; and if urgent assistance will be given to all persons who were brain damaged by vaccines administered in the State. [11635/04]
View answer602 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if a commitment for a compensation scheme or a review of schemes operating elsewhere was promised to parents of children damaged by vaccines in April 2002; if such a commitment was given; and the status of plans to pay compensation. [11852/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 578 and 602 together.
The matters raised by the group concerned at the meeting in April 2002 were considered by my Department. A preliminary review of the schemes in place in a number of other countries was subsequently undertaken by my Department; this preliminary review involved a general overview of details of schemes in place in a number of other countries. This review was done in order to establish general details of schemes already in existence; however, a detailed examination of such schemes has not yet been undertaken. My Department is keeping the position in relation to the possible establishment of an alleged vaccine damage compensation scheme under review. However, the developmental work which can be undertaken by my Department in 2004 is concentrated on four major themes: advancing the health reform programme, supporting the health aspects of the EU Presidency, legislation relating to health reform and other pressing areas including professional regulation, and monitoring of service plans and budget management by health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority.
