Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 22: To ask the Minister for Health if he will set out in full the terms of the indemnity agreement with a company (details supplied) regarding the Pandemrix vaccine; if the company can be called to account financially or in any other manner as a result of the finding that the vaccine is linked to narcolepsy in children vaccinated with it here; if he will investigate the granting of this indemnity; if he will set out the other such agreements with pharmaceutical companies that are in place; if he will review the policy of granting such indemnity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24194/12]

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 30: To ask the Minister for Health the assistance that will be given to children suffering from narcolepsy as a result of receiving the Pandemrix vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24193/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, the HSE procured two vaccines. The HSE, with the approval of my Department and the Department of Finance, indemnified the suppliers from and against loss and damage in respect of any claim against the supplier arising from or in connection with the use and administration of licensed or unlicensed vaccine supplied except in cases of negligence, breach of duty or wilful misconduct on the part of the supplier. The indemnity clause in relation to the supplier in question is attached.

This was a necessary response in order to ensure that Ireland could access the vaccine as early as possible during the pandemic. All European countries who accessed pandemic vaccines indemnified the companies who supplied them. No similar agreements with pharmaceutical companies are currently in place.

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 is providing 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 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 reasonable accommodations will be put in place for students with narcolepsy sitting state exams next month.

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.