David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response and for acknowledging the fact that this is a terrible condition brought on by the vaccine. I acknowledge the fact that vaccines are important and save many lives. This is an unintended side-effect of what happened.

A total of 74 people have been affected in Ireland. I understand a centre of excellence was supposed to be established in Temple Street. Can the Minister of State advise on the position and what progress, if any, has been made?

This was brought to my attention initially by parents of a student who has been affected and impacted by this particular condition. The student's life chances have been severely impacted in a negative way because of it. The student may not be able to attend university now because of the difficulty in studying and getting the points. Perhaps the Minister of State might have a discussion with her colleague in the Department of Education and Skills to review the matter and consider whether the students who are suffering from this condition through no fault of their own may be given some provision whereby they could attend university. Going to university was the dream of the student in question. This student wanted to attend university but is now concerned that this might not happen only because this condition was brought about by the vaccine administered at the time of the pandemic in the country.

It is a serious condition with a serious impact on people. Will the Minister of State comment on the need for more co-ordination - this is the main thrust of what I am raising - across Departments and agencies with respect to this condition as well as more information and access to international expertise? The number affected is small but the impact on these people, as the Minister of State has acknowledged, has been absolutely vast. Lives have been changed radically. Whole families have been impacted. Some people cannot be left on their own because of the condition. There is also the fear and concern of getting cataplexy and so on that goes with this. I look forward to the final response of the Minister of State.

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