John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Perry, to the House to deputise for the Minister for Health on this important issue. My question pertains to sufferers of narcolepsy that is a direct result of a vaccine against swine flu that was not only provided by the State but sponsored by it through GPs and schools in 2009 and 2010. Unfortunately for many parents this has turned into their worst nightmare.

In the last fortnight I became a grandfather myself for the first time and everyone knows families hold their children dear to their hearts, not wishing for anything untoward to happen to them, wanting to protect their health and well-being, and to ensure good life experience and opportunities. In this case, however, as a result of this vaccine it is accepted there has been a 13-fold increase in incidences of narcolepsy. The parents and families have waited patiently for two years for any meaningful and strategic policy response and their requests are not unreasonable. I call on the Department of Health to stop dragging its heels on the matter in order that the parents and their children can have their circumstances clarified and the necessary lifelong supports for this terrible condition, which strikes the children and young people down with debilitating symptoms that affect their ability to study, work and get on with their normal routine.