Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

At the committee meeting I mentioned, an HSE representative said that the HSE and the World Health Organisation expected "adverse events to be at a minimum". The Minister compared the number of people presenting with narcolepsy and the number of those who received the Pandemrix vaccine, but this is a serious matter for the children and families concerned, and such assurances have proved hollow to them. Does the Minister accept that, with hindsight, granting an absolute indemnity to a multi-billion-euro international drugs company in relation to an untested vaccine was not the correct way to go? Does he agree that we need to ensure we do not make the mistake of administering such a vaccine in future without all the proper checks being in place?

Finally, on the assistance to be offered to the children, we should be clear that they are in their early years of school attendance and this matter will significantly impact on their potential development through the education process. The Minister said he is speaking to the Minister for Education and Skills, but will the Government ensure that the necessary supports are provided for these children so that they do not fall behind? Let there be no mistake - the issue is not about attentiveness in the classroom. These children fall asleep and they will miss out on critical hours of education in the years ahead. Will the Minister ensure supports for them?

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