Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020

Tuesday, 3 November 2020

Ceisteanna (1300)

John Lahart

Ceist:

1300. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if his Department is working on legislation to introduce a no-fault compensation scheme for vaccine damages in line with commitments in the programme for Government and previous recommendations made by his Department and public health bodies; when he expects to introduce such legislation; if he expects to expedite such legislation in preparation for a potential Covid-19 vaccine programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33001/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

An Expert Group was established by the Government in June 2018, chaired by Mr Justice Charles Meenan, to examine the law in relation to personal injuries arising in the healthcare context and to explore alternative mechanisms by which claims could be managed more effectively particularly from the perspective of the person on whose behalf a claim has been made. As part of this process, the Group was to examine whether a mechanism could be established which would deal more sensitively and in a more timely fashion with catastrophic birth injuries, certain vaccine damage claims, or with claims where there is no dispute about liability from the outset. A report from the Expert Group was received by myself and the Minister for Justice. The recommendations of the report are currently being considered by both Departments including the development of any vaccine damage schemes.