Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Ceisteanna (549)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

624 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will set out the terms of the indemnity agreement with a company (details supplied) regarding the Pandemrix vaccine; if the company can be called to account financially or in any other manner as a result of the finding that the vaccine is linked to narcolepsy in children vaccinated with it in this State; if he will investigate the granting of this indemnity; if he will set out the other such agreements with pharmaceutical companies that are in place; if he will review the policy of granting such indemnity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21460/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

In response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, the HSE procured two vaccines. The HSE, with the approval of my Department and the Department of Finance, indemnified the suppliers from and against loss and damage in respect of any claim against the supplier arising from or in connection with the use and administration of licensed or unlicensed vaccine supplied. The indemnity clause in relation to the supplier in question has been forwarded to the Deputy. This was a necessary response in order to ensure that Ireland could access the vaccine as early as possible during the pandemic. All European countries that accessed pandemic vaccines indemnified the companies who supplied them. No similar agreements with pharmaceutical companies are currently in place.