Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health his policy regarding the addition of the meningitis vaccination to the national vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5182/13]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will introduce the new Meningitis B vaccine into the Childhood Immunisation Schedule (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5241/13]

Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health his plans to introduce the new Meningitis B vaccine for Meningococcal B Meningitis and Septicaemia into the Childhood Immunisation Schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5647/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 773, 785 and 841 together.

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland comprising of experts in a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health. The committee's recommendations are informed by public health advice, international best practice and by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).

A Health Technology Assessment which includes a cost benefit analysis is carried out prior to any new vaccine being considered. This has a vital role in ensuring that care technologies, including vaccines, are used in a manner appropriate to their ability to maximise health gain and achieve value for money.

Should NIAC advice recommend the inclusion of a new vaccine into the primary childhood immunisation programme in Ireland, my Department, in association with the Health Service Executive's National Immunisation Office will examine the issue.