Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide adequate support to the children who have acquired narcolepsy as a result of being inoculated against swine flu; in view of the growing evidencethat exists to prove that this vaccine has detrimental effects on children's health; if he will ensure that the necessary services are provided for them by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45383/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Following reports from Northern European countries in 2010 of an increase in the incidence ofnarcolepsy among children/adolescents who were vaccinated with Pandemrix®, (one of the vaccines used during the H1N1 2009 pandemic) my Department immediately responded to ensure that through the HSE,affected persons in Ireland were identified, were facilitated with rapid access to diagnosis and treatment and provided with all other supports required.My Department also engaged with the Department of Education and Skills to ensure that all available educational supports were employed as required.

Additionally, the Chief Medical Officer of my Department convened an Expert Group to examine and report on the issue. In April 2012 the report of the National Narcolepsy Study Steering Committee was published.The study found that there was a 13 fold higher risk of narcolepsy in children/adolescents vaccinated with the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine compared with unvaccinated children/adolescents. Causality has yet to be established. The report is available on my Department's website.My Department continues to work closely with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Education and Skills to address all the needs of those affected by narcolepsy with symptom onset following receipt of pandemic vaccines. The HSE is providing a range of services and supports including; clear treatment pathways, temporary medical cards and reimbursement of expenses incurred. Multi-disciplinary assessments are in also in place which allows for appropriate individualised health and educational supports.The Department of Education and Skills is also engaged with the HSE and with the individual schools and parents of children concerned, to identify and provide all appropriate educational supports for the children and adolescents 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.