Vaccination Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2007

Tuesday, 24 April 2007

Ceisteanna (363, 364)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

374 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a vaccine damage compensation scheme will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14483/07]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

441 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Government plans to introduce a compensation scheme for children who suffered serious handicap as a result of the State run vaccination scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14771/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 441.

In its report on Childhood Immunisation, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children recommended that legislation be drawn up to provide for a no-fault National Vaccine Injury Compensation Scheme. The Vaccine Damage Steering Group has been established to examine the issue of vaccine damage. The Group is committed to producing a preliminary report on its findings by July of this year.