Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2012
628. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when he intends making a statement in relation to narcolepsy including the proposed actions to be taken to support the sufferers of this condition and their families in view of the promises made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56620/12]
View answer655. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health when he will being 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 for the information of Members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56924/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 628 and 655 together.
My priority is to ensure that those 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.
