Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Stanton for raising this issue as it provides me with an opportunity to update the House on the matter. It is a serious issue. I acknowledge the impact on those diagnosed with narcolepsy who had previously received a pandemic influenza vaccine as well as the impact on their families. As Deputies are aware, immunisation is a simple and effective way of protecting children against certain diseases. It has saved more lives than any other public health intervention, apart from providing clean water. In spite of the obvious benefits that come from vaccination I acknowledge that there can be serious adverse outcomes for a small number of people arising out of vaccination.

More than 1 million doses of pandemic influenza vaccine were administered in Ireland during the pandemic. The Health Products Regulatory Authority is the statutory authority for licensing and safety of all medicines. As of 25 May the HPRA had received 74 reports confirming a diagnosis of narcolepsy in people who had previously received pandemic influenza vaccination. The priority of the Minister for Health and the HSE is that the individuals and families affected receive appropriate health care and supports. Therefore, the Department engaged with the HSE and the Department of Education and Skills along the lines suggested by the Deputy to ensure the provision of a range of services and supports on an ex gratiabasis. The ex gratiahealth supports provided include clinical care pathways to ensure access to rapid diagnostic treatment and ongoing clinical review; multidisciplinary assessment led by clinical experts which allow for the appropriate individualised health and educational supports to be put in place; counselling services for the individuals and their families; discretionary medical cards to allow unlimited access to general practitioner care and any prescribed medication; and ex gratiareimbursement of vouched expenses incurred in the process of diagnosis and treatment, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and dental assessments.

The HSE's advocacy unit acts as liaison with service and support providers and other Departments to facilitate access to required services. Staff from the unit are in regular contact with individuals affected and regularly meet representatives of Suffers Of Unique Narcolepsy Disorder, SOUND.

Regional co-ordinators have been appointed to assist individuals by providing advice, information and access to local services. It is acknowledged that treatment and individual medical needs may have to be reassessed over time. Consequently, the services and supports provided are reassessed on an ongoing basis to take account of any changes in the individuals' conditions and circumstances. As Deputies may be aware, legal action has been initiated by 28 families alleging personal injury in which they are claiming the development of narcolepsy resulted from the administration of the pandemic vaccination. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on any of these cases. I acknowledge the impact on the lives of the people affected by narcolepsy and on their families and reiterate my commitment to the ongoing provision of appropriate services and support.

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