Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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161. To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which the case of the child of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who suffers from unique narcolepsy disorder will be re-examined; the extent to which the submission presented by Sound has been studied; when existence of the condition first became known to his Department and/or the Health Service Executive; the total number of persons affected by the condition arising from the particular vaccine; if a co-ordinated support service will be put in place to assist families who have been affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51181/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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My priority as Minister for Health is to ensure that those diagnosed with narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination are provided with a wide range of services and supports to meet their health needs. Both the Health Service Executive and the Department of Education and Skills, at my request, are ensuring that those affected receive tailored assistance to address their individual requirements.

The health supports include discretionary medical cards to allow unlimited access to GP care and any prescribed medication and the reimbursement on a ex-gratia basis of vouched expenses incurred in relation to diagnoses and treatment. With regard to education, the Department of Education and Skills provide supports to students on a needs basis, including home tuition, supplemental learning aupport/resource teaching supports and the provision of Special Needs Assistance (SNA) support if required

The Deputy has raised a query regarding an individual case. The HSE has responsibility for the administration of treatment and delivery of services in this case. The matter has therefore been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.