Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on recent comments made in a publication (details supplied) that shortages of the BCG vaccine since October 2007 have left many children at risk of tuberculosis; and if she will direct the Health Service Executive to review the national TB services as a matter of urgency. [14229/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I understand from the Health Service Executive (HSE) that, owing to regulatory difficulties experienced by the manufacturer of the BCG vaccine, there was a shortage of the vaccine 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 as it has a very short shelf life. These difficulties have now been resolved and new stocks of licensed vaccine are now available.

I understand from the HSE that clinics have now resumed and that 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. Current strategy in relation to the prevention and treatment of Tuberculosis is guided by the recommendations of the "Report of the Working Group on Tuberculosis" (1996). It covers a wide range of issues including epidemiology, surveillance, screening, preventative therapy, clinical management and laboratory diagnosis. A review of Tuberculosis Services has been instigated by the HSE and is ongoing.