Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of children below the age of five who have not been inoculated against each of the diseases for which inoculations are available and are routinely administered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42937/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme (PCIP) provides immunisation for all children against BCG, Diphtheria/Polio/Pertussis/ Tetanus/Haemophilus influenza (Hib), Meningococcal C, Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

Vaccine uptake statistics are collated on a quarterly basis by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. The most recent report published in November 2006 for the second quarter 2006 reported the following vaccine uptake rates: BCG at 12 months 92%; Diphtheria/Polio/ Pertussis/Tetanus/Haemophilus influenza (Hib) children at 12 months 86%, children at 24 months 91%; Meningococcal C — children at 12 months 86%, children at 24 months 90%; Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) — children at 24 months 86%.

Vaccine uptake figures have shown a steady increase since 2001. I am concerned about the immunisation uptake rates because of the risk of unimmunised children contracting the potentially serious diseases concerned. However, I am encouraged by the fact that the immunisation uptake rates are improving. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is now targeting areas of low vaccine uptake with specific strategies to increase the national figures.

Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans for improving neurological services here; the number of new neurological posts she is sanctioning; the number which will be filled in 2007; the provision for neurological services at present in the Limerick region; her plans for their improvement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42943/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Development funding of €3m was provided in 2006 to develop neuroscience services, which includes neurology, and the recently published Estimates for the Health Service Executive includes a further €4m to continue these developments during 2007.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a more detailed reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to the application of this funding.