Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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362. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the new vaccination against meningitis B, Bexsero, here; when a decision will be made as to whether this drug will be made available in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3521/15]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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404. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the decision of the national immunisation advisory committee on the new vaccine against meningitis B; and if he will act to ensure early adoption of this in our vaccine programme. [3865/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 404 together.

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The 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.

NIAC has issued guidance in relation to the use of the Meningitis B vaccine in the control of clusters or outbreaks of Meningococcal B disease.

My Department has recently received a letter from the Chairman of NIAC regarding the introduction of the Meningitis B vaccine into the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule. This matter will be considered by my Department.