Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Nowhere in the Minister of State's reply, nor anywhere in the public commentary of the Minister for Health has the reason for not providing the vaccine been given. Rather, the Government is standing over what it says is the advice given to it and providing no further comment or answers.

Approximately ten years ago, there was a review of patient safety in Navan hospital. Other Deputies from Meath and I met senior representatives of the HSE to discuss the issue. We were given assurances that there was a severe issue with a consultant that had to be addressed. A number of years later, there was a High Court case relating to that consultant. All was forgotten about the issue and the consultant's good name was upheld. As a result of that case, I question everything. It is not disrespectful to professionals to question their advice. It can subsequently be accepted, but it should be questioned and interrogated, which is what parents are asking us to do in the Dáil. In the reply the Minister of State provided, he has not answered the concerns or given a reason that people will find satisfactory.

I appeal to those parents whose children qualify for the vaccination but have not received it to get it. We on this side of the House urge them to do so.

Ten years ago, there was a review of patient safety in Navan hospital. Other Deputies from Meath and I met senior people in the HSE to discuss the issue of patient safety. We were given assurances that there was a severe issue with a consultant

I appeal to those parents whose children qualify for vaccination but are not already vaccinated to get the vaccine. On this side of the House, we urge them to do so.

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