Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 273: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason a BCG vaccination is mandatory for new teachers when some health board areas have discontinued this practice and when the effectiveness of this vaccine has been questioned; her plans to make this voluntary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18715/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The current Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland, published by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, recommend vaccination against TB of teachers in training. It is understood that these guidelines are being revised at present. The Department's medical advisor has written to the Chairperson of the National Immunisation Committee seeking advice on whether or not the current practice should be continued. It is expected that this question will be addressed in the course of drafting the forthcoming edition of the national guidelines.