Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2012
244. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health when a package of supports will be put in place for families whose children have been affected by unique narcolepsy disorder arising from vaccination with pandemrix; if he will give details of this package of supports; when this package of supports will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53346/12]
View answer245. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the implementation status of the final report of the National Narcolepsy Study Steering Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53347/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together.
The association between Pandemic vaccination and an increased risk of narcolepsy in children/adolescents is acknowledged in the epidemiological report of the National Narcolepsy Study Steering Committee. However, causation has not been established. My priority is to ensure that children/adolescents affected by narcolepsy with symptom onset post pandemic vaccination are provided with services and supports to meet their health needs. The 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. Multidisciplinary assessments which allow for the appropriate individualised health and educational supports to be put in place are ongoing. 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.
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.
