I propose to take Questions Nos. 392 to 394, inclusive, together.
The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to “put in place a scheme, on a no-fault basis, that will respond to the needs of people with disability arising from vaccination.”
The policy objectives in putting in place a scheme to meet the needs of people with disability arising from vaccination are to provide fair and just compensation for those who may have been injured by a vaccine, to reduce the costs to the State by providing an alternative to litigation and to maintaining public confidence in immunisation.
This matter is under consideration by the Department with a view to developing a proposal regarding a vaccine damage scheme based on evidence concerning, vaccine damage schemes, legal advices and consultation with other Government bodies.