Written answers

Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Department of Health

Vaccination Programme

Photo of Derek KeatingDerek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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636. To ask the Minister for Health if, following on from his recent reply in relation to Narcolepsy, he will outline his plans to address the needs of the many cases that are now emerging; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, in the Dublin Mid-West constituency alone, there are a significant number of chronic cases who are awaiting his report to assist them in addressing this crisis in which they find themselves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2860/13]

Photo of Seán KyneSeán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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671. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 667 of 4 December 2012, the progress made on putting in place supports for those children and their families who developed narcolepsy as a result of side effects from the Pandermix vaccine which was administered to protect against the HINI virus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3112/13]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 636 and 671 together.

My priority is to ensure that children/adolescents affected by narcolepsy with symptom onset post pandemic vaccination are provided with services and supports to meet their health needs. The HSE and the Department of Education and Skills together provide a comprehensive range of services and supports to those affected. The Health Service Executive through its advocacy unit and regional co-ordinators assist individuals affected by narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination and family members of those so affected, in accessing appropriate services and supports. These supports and services include access to rapid diagnosis, clear treatment pathways, temporary medical cards and reimbursement of expenses incurred. This includes expenses for counselling services for individuals and also for families of children affected by narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination, in cases where such services are not already available through the HSE. Multi-disciplinary assessments which allow for the appropriate individualised health and educational supports to be put in place are ongoing. The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is also 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. My Department is considering other possible supports which may need to be put in place for those affected by Narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination.

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