Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2012
584. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if proposals regarding supports for those suffering from Narcolepsy following vaccination are to hand; and when they will be communicated to sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49407/12]
View answer600. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding narcolepsy (details supplied) in Dublin 13. [49529/12]
View answer602. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health when he will report to Government on the findings of the final report of the National Narcolepsy Study Steering Committee on the investigation of an increase in the incidence of narcolepsy in children and adolescents based on the commitment given to the members of Sufferers of Unique Narcolepsy Disorder [49541/12]
View answer610. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the action he will take in relation to persons who are affected by narcolepsy as a result of the Pandremix vaccine for swine flu given in 2009-10; if a paper will be put to Dáil Éireann on this issue and the timeline for same [49626/12]
View answer616. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health in view of the report on Narcolepsy published on 19 April 2012 regarding the increased incidence of this condition as a result of the vaccination of Pandemrix, if he has studied the report; his response to the parents of children and the organisation called SOUND that a paper would be put to Government regarding the State Vaccination Programme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a family (details supplied) County Dublin, are struggling to make sense of their childs condition following their diagnosis on 4 July 2012; if he will bring a paper to Dail Eireann as promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49676/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 584, 600, 602, 610 and 616 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. Multi-disciplinary 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.
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. I would like to assure the Deputy that this matter continues to be a priority for my Department.
