Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to receive the final report of the Vaccine Damage Compensation Group; the funding provided in Budget 2008 to implement the recommendations of the group; her views on whether it is unacceptable that families have been waiting six years for this commitment to be fulfilled; the steps she is taking to expedite the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12511/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Group is continuing with its consideration of this matter, and is consulting with a number of representative bodies and individuals. I look forward to receiving its final recommendations shortly.

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of BCG vaccinations that have been administered to babies in County Meath from October 2007 to date in 2008; if this figure is consistent with the number of births during the same period in Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12512/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the problems with the BCG vaccination regime for new born babies in the Health Service Executive north east region; if the HSE has been in contact with her office on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12513/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I understand from the Health Service Executive (HSE), that owing to regulatory difficulties being experienced by the manufacturer of the BCG vaccine, there was a shortage of the vaccine throughout the country from late 2007. This was a Europe wide problem as the manufacturer in question is the only company which supplies the vaccine to the European Market. Unfortunately, it is not possible to stockpile the vaccine in advance as it has a very short shelf life. These difficulties have now been resolved and new stocks of licensed vaccine are now available.

BCG vaccine has arrived in the country and is currently being delivered to all sites. Parents of any baby who has not received BCG vaccine will be contacted by their local Health Office with an appointment to receive the vaccine. I understand from the HSE that clinics have now resumed.