John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 55: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has been lobbied extensively in recent weeks on the question of the introduction of a vaccine for pneumococcal meningitis; the estimated costs for the introduction of this vaccine; the vaccine's effectiveness in dealing with the meningitis problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21478/06]

Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 75: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide routine immunisation of babies against pneumococcal meningitis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21350/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 75 together.

The inclusion of the pneumococcal vaccine in the Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme is being considered by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee as part of its review of the immunisation guidelines. No decision has yet been reached. My Department and the Health Service Executive will be guided by the expert advice from the NIAC in this regard. The funding of vaccination programmes is a matter for consideration by the HSE.