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

Technically there is no such thing as a discretionary medical card but it has come into common parlance because of full medical cards that were given to people who did not meet the criteria but where discretion was used because of the particular hardships they faced. The whole scheme is based on financial hardship, as the Act states. I have no wish as Minister for Health to be involved in any situation which makes life more difficult for those who have suffered as a consequence of vaccinations that were produced, administered and received in good faith. I have discussed with the chief medical officer the need for a no-fault compensation scheme to be put in place, particularly for the victims of vaccine damage. It is through no fault of their own and they are contributing to the common good by allowing themselves to be vaccinated. This protects not just themselves but others in the community who may not be able to avail of a vaccine, but who will not be faced with exposure to a particular disease because it has been nearly eradicated.

Staged payments is an important issue because in this situation the original prognosis for this condition has improved and should continue to improve over the years. However, Deputy O'Mahony's very genuine and legitimate concern on behalf of those parents is what will happen to those children when they pass 18 years of age if they are still seriously impeded as a consequence of this condition. We will continue to support them in every way we can. Even though they be over the age of 18 or 25 they may very likely still have educational requirements. We must support them in that. There has been great co-operation between me and the Minister for Education and Skills in providing a broad range of supports and services. They should remain in place for as long as they are required as well as any other facilities made available to those who have suffered as a consequence of the vaccine.

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