Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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710. To ask the Minister for Health the measures and action plan he intends to take regarding the plight of sufferers of unique narcolepsy disorder as a result of the anti swine fever vaccination, as a recent evaluation identified that 54 persons made up of children, adolescents and adults have been diagnosed up to April 2013 with narcolepsy; when he will provide the package of supports as promised to him for approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23026/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that there are a number of supports in place for persons diagnosed with narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination. My priority is to ensure that those affected by narcolepsy, with symptom onset post pandemic vaccination are provided with a range of services and supports to meet their health needs. The Irish Medicines Board has indicated that as of 12 May 2013 there are 49 cases with a clinical diagnosis of narcolepsy, with symptom development post pandemic vaccination. There are a number of cases still under investigation. The majority of cases are in the five to twenty two years age group. The Health Service Executive has responsibility for health service delivery and at my request, the HSE developed a range of appropriate services and supports to address the needs of this group. Together, the HSE and the Department of Education and Skills provide a very comprehensive range of services and supports to those affected.

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 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.

The HSE's advocacy unit is in regular contact with the support group SOUND and last met representatives of the group on 28 February 2013. Through regional co-ordinators the HSE also has frequent contact with individual members of SOUND to assist them in service access and reimbursement of expenses. On March 22 the HSE held an information day to ensure those affected were fully aware of all of the the services available. My Department is considering all possible supports which may need to be put in place for those affected by narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination. I would like to assure the Deputy that this matter continues to be a priority for my Department. A further meeting with SOUND will be arranged when the matter has concluded.