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Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2012

Tuesday, 27 November 2012

Questions (645, 646, 648, 667, 684)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

645. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the date on which a comprehensive set of supports will be in place for those affected by narcolepsy associated with the vaccine pandemrix; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52433/12]

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Peadar Tóibín

Question:

646. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he will detail his contact with the SOUND group dealing with sufferers of narcolepsy associated with pandemrix; and any commitment made to the group [52434/12]

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Billy Kelleher

Question:

648. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when he will bring the package of supports for the narcolepsy sufferers arising from the H1N1 vaccine before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52439/12]

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Joanna Tuffy

Question:

667. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding proposals for a package of supports for persons who developed narcolepsy as a result of vaccination with pandemrix; the reasons for the delay in bringing the proposals to Dáil Eireann; when he expects to re-establish contact with members of Sufferers of Unique Narcolepsy Disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52585/12]

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Anthony Lawlor

Question:

684. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Health the date on which he proposes to put a paper to the Government on foot of the recommendations of the final report of the National Narcolepsy Study Steering Committee which concluded that the increased incidence of narcolepsy in children and adolescents here since 2009 came as a result of the a side affect of the Pandemrix vaccine administered for the H1N1 virus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52786/12]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 645, 646, 648, 667 and 684 together.

The association between Pandemic vaccination and an increased risk of narcolepsy in children/adolescents is acknowledged in the report of the National Narcolepsy Study Steering Committee. However, causation has not been established. My priority is to ensure that the children/adolescents affected are provided with services and supports to meet their health needs. e HSE and the Department of Education and Skills together provide a comprehensive range of services and supports to those affected. These supports and services include 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 are ongoing. e 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.

Both myself and officials from my Department and the Department of Education and Skills has met SOUND on a number of occasions, to outline the services available. At our most recent meeting, in July 2012, I reiterated my commitment to bring a Memorandum to Cabinet setting out the full response to the issue. My Department is considering all 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. A further meeting with representatives from SOUND will be arranged when the matter has been concluded.

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