Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

One of today's newspapers reported that the study that had raised concerns about the use of the MMR vaccine has now been retracted. Over the past 12 months serious questions have been raised regarding the reliability of the study's findings. While it was initially accepted a number of years ago, it has had a very detrimental impact on the uptake of the MMR vaccine, particularly in Ireland, because of the supposed links with the onset of autism. Ireland is in the midst of a very significant outbreak of measles. It is now very clear that there is no scientific evidence, present to us at the moment, to question the safety of the MMR vaccine. However, we clearly know that measles, mumps and rubella can possibly cause death and may also cause the onset of disabilities, which are entirely preventable. It is vital to give as much reassurance as possible to parents to take up the vaccine and protect their children.

A number of colleagues have spoken about the number of unaccompanied minors who have gone missing from the care of the HSE. Having raised the matter on numerous occasions, I would say that while it is helpful for us to comment on it, it is not sufficient. I ask the Leader to arrange for either the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform or the Minister of State with responsibility for children and youth affairs to come to the Chamber to discuss the matter. The national plan that has been agreed between the HSE and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will be helpful for any children who go missing in future. However, we still need to address the fact that at present 424 children are missing from the care of the HSE. We must do whatever it takes to assure ourselves that each of them is safe. I suggest that a specific campaign be launched which at a minimum should provide a telephone number that members of the public can contact if they have any information regarding those missing children.