Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012
973. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in putting a package of supports in place for those sufferers of unique narcolepsy disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48822/12]
View answer1162. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in presenting a paper on the supports to be made available to children who developed narcolepsy as a consequence of the State sponsored vaccination programme involving pandemrix as had been promised to parent representatives of those affected, the position regarding the paper and a date when he expects to bring it to Dail Eireann. [48441/12]
View answer1163. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health when he will bring a memorandum outlining the package of supports being put in place for those who have acquired narcolepsy and associated conditions due to inoculation with pandemrix; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48442/12]
View answer1169. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health when he will put in place a package of supports to meet the needs of children, adolescents and young adults affected by Narcolepsy after vaccination with Pandemrix; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48590/12]
View answer1180. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when he plans to present the paper outlining the package of supports being put in place for those affected by Narcolepsy associated with the vaccine Pandemrix; the reason for the delay in the presentation of the paper prior to the Dáil summer recess, again in September 2012 and then once again this October; when will he re-establish communication with SOUND; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48655/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 973, 1162, 1163, 1169 and 1180 together.
My Department is working closely with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Education and Skills to address the needs of those affected by narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination.
The HSE provides a range of services and supports to those affected including access to rapid diagnosis, clear treatment pathways, temporary medical cards and reimbursement of expenses incurred. Multidisciplinary assessments which allow for the appropriate individualised health and educational supports to be put in place have commenced. The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is also engaging with the HSE and with the individual schools and parents of children concerned to identify and provide educational supports for the children and adolescents affected.
My Department is considering all other possible supports which may need to be put in place for those affected. Any such supports require my approval and the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. My officials are currently engaged in discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this issue. I would like to assure the Deputy that this matter continues to be a priority for my Department.
