Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2012
484. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will bring forward proposals setting out a package of supports for those who developed narcolepsy as a result of vaccination with Pandemrix; the reason for the delay to date in bringing the proposal to the Dáil Éireann; when he will re-establish meaningful contact with Sufferers of Unique Narcolepsy Disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55323/12]
View answerMy 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. Multi-disciplinary 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.
I am committed to bringing a Memorandum to Government setting out the full response to the issue. My Department is considering 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.
