Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 305: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she has received reports on the shortage of BCG vaccine; if she has systems within her Department that keep track of stocks of vaccine whose administration is time sensitive; and her views on whether it is acceptable that her Department takes no responsibility for oversight of system breakdowns such as this. [7193/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am aware of the recent temporary shortage of BCG vaccine and I understand that the Health Service Executive has dealt with the matter. The manufacture and storage of vaccines is dependent on critical biological components and processes which may be subject to disruption at several points along the production, storage and delivery chains, therefore, stocks may be compromised for a variety of reasons. Stock management of vaccines requires particular attention. In recognition of this, a National Vaccine Stock Management Committee was established several years ago and this function is now managed by the Health Service Executive.