Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2013
234. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 693, if he will meet the narcolepsy support group; and the date on which he will roll out the support package promised in early 2012. [11782/13]
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 Health Service Executive and the Department of Education and Skills together provide a comprehensive range of services and supports to those affected.
The HSE through its advocacy unit and regional co-ordinators assist individuals affected by narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination and family members of those so affected, in accessing appropriate services and supports. These supports and services include access to rapid diagnosis, clear treatment pathways, temporary medical cards and reimbursement of expenses incurred. This includes expenses for counselling services for individuals and also for families of children affected by narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination, in cases where such services are not already available through the HSE.
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. My Department is considering all possible supports which may need to be put in place for those affected by narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination. A further meeting with representatives from SOUND will be arranged when the matter has been concluded.
