Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons who received the swine flu vaccine; the number who received the pandremix vaccine; the number of children who received the vaccine; the number who may have been affected by sleeping disorders as a result of receiving the vaccine; the remedies he plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21007/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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There were two vaccines used against Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) Pandemrix® and Celvepan. The report of the National Narcolepsy Study Steering Committee detailed the population uptake for each vaccine as follows: Table 1: Number of first shot vaccination with Pandemrix and population vaccine uptake by age group, 2009/2010 influenza vaccination campaign, Ireland (Source: PCRS/PDMS)

*Excluding half of those aged <1 yearTable 2: Number of first shot vaccination with Celvapan and population vaccine uptake by age group, 2009/2010 influenza vaccination campaign, Ireland (Source: PCRS/PDMS)Age groupPopulation of Ireland*(Census 2006)Number of first shot vaccination with CelvapanPopulation vaccine uptake (Celvapan)0-4271,71422,4528.3%5-19852,45422,7002.7%20+3,085,41285,1932.8%Unknown-38-Total4,209,310130,3833.1%To date, the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has received 27 reports with clinical information which confirms a diagnosis of narcolepsy in individuals who were vaccinated with Pandemrix® and one report in an individual who received Celvapan. Twenty four of these reports relate to children/adolescents. The IMB is continuing to follow up with healthcare professionals including specialists involved in the investigation of further patients where a diagnosis of narcolepsy is considered possible.My Department is working closely with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Education and Skills to address the needs of those affected by narcolepsy.The HSE has provided a range of services and supports to those affected including access to rapid diagnosis, clear care pathways, temporary medical cards and reimbursement of expenses incurred.Multi-disciplinary assessments which will allow for the appropriate individualised health and educational supports to be put in place have commenced. The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is currently engaging with the HSE and with the individual schools and parents of children concerned to identify and provide educational supports for the children and adolescents affected.In addition, contact has been made with the State Exam Commission in relation to the reasonable accommodations available for students with narcolepsy who are sitting state exams this year.My Department is considering all other possible supports which may need to be put in place for those affected. A Memorandum for Government setting out the full response to this issue is being prepared for submission in the coming weeks.I would like to assure the Deputy that this matter continues to be a priority for my Department.>