James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to inform the Deputies that a number of supports are in place for persons diagnosed with narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination. My priority is to ensure those affected by narcolepsy, with symptom onset post-pandemic vaccination, are provided with a range of services and supports to meet their health needs. My colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, wishes to ensure their educational needs are also supported. The Health Service Executive has responsibility for health service delivery and, at my request, the HSE developed a range of appropriate services and supports to address the needs of this group.

Together, the HSE and the Department of Education and Skills provide a very comprehensive range of services and supports to those affected. These supports and services include access to rapid diagnosis, clear treatment pathways, temporary medical cards and reimbursement of expenses incurred. This includes expenses for counselling services for individuals and also for families of children affected by narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination in cases where such services are not already available through the HSE. Multidisciplinary assessments which allow for appropriate individualised health and educational supports to be put in place are ongoing. The National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, is also engaging with the HSE and with the individual schools and parents of children concerned to identify and provide educational supports for the children and adolescents affected.

The HSE's advocacy unit is in regular contact with the support group, SOUND, and last met representatives of the group on 28 February 2013. Through regional co-ordinators, the HSE also has frequent contact with individual members of SOUND to assist them in service access and reimbursement of expenses. On 22 March, the HSE held an information day to ensure those affected were fully aware of all the services available. My Department is considering all possible supports which may need to be put in place for those affected by narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination. I assure the Deputies that this matter continues to be a priority for my Department. A further meeting with SOUND will be arranged when the matter has concluded. It is important we support those who have adverse events following vaccination because they are administered in good faith and taken in good faith with benefit not just to the individual but also to the wider community.

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