Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on concerns expressed, both in the United States and in Britain, at the mercury content in the planned swine flu vaccine, same to be employed here; her reason for not following the lead given in the United States where a mercury free version of the vaccination is being produced that will be specifically targeted at pregnant women and younger children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35030/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The mercury-containing compound in vaccines is thiomersal which is used as a preservative to prevent bacterial or fungal contamination of multi-dose vials of the H1N1 vaccine.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use at the European Medicines Agency has evaluated the scientific evidence in relation to the safety of thiomersal and has concluded that immunisation with vaccines containing thiomersal continues to offer benefits to the general population, including pregnant women and children. This is the agreed position for use of the vaccines within the EU. In Ireland the National Immunisation Advisory Committee has advised that there are no concerns with regards to the safety of thiomersal and vaccines containing thiomersal can be used for both adults and children.