Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 24 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 6

Written Answers. - Vaccination Programme.

Austin Currie

Ceist:

272 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that students taking a degree course in social studies in a college (details supplied) in Dublin which requires work experience in prisons, hospitals, children's homes and so on, are required to have hepatitis B vaccinations; if he will ensure that financial help will be given to these students. [25437/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

Following inquiries made by my officials, I understand that students pursuing the Bachelor in Social Studies at Trinity College Dublin are not required by the college to have hepatitis B vaccinations. The college does provide immunisation on an elective basis for incoming students on the Bachelor in Social Studies programme, as a purely precautionary measure on behalf of the student.

Where placement providers deem immunisation to be essential, the college encourages such providers to make immunisation available to students while on placement, on the same basis as immunisation is provided for social work staff generally. No placement providers currently require social studies students to be immunised.