Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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151. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding a national narcolepsy and related disorder unit in St James's Hospital which will deliver continued and lifelong treatment for sufferers of narcolepsy and afford a seamless transition between child and adult services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3614/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department, the HSE and the Department of Education and Skills continue to work together to provide a wide range of services and supports for those affected by narcolepsy following the administration of pandemic influenza vaccine.

The HSE’s Advocacy Unit acts as liaison with service and support providers and other Government Departments to facilitate access to required services. It is in regular contact with individuals affected and regularly meets with representatives of the SOUND (sufferers of unique narcolepsy disorder). Regional co-ordinators have been appointed to assist individuals by providing advice, information and access to local services.

The ex-gratia health supports include clinical care pathways to ensure access to diagnosis and treatment, multi-disciplinary assessments led by clinical experts, counselling services for both the individuals and their families, discretionary medical cards for those who have been diagnosed have been provided to allow unlimited access to GP care and any prescribed medication, ex-gratia reimbursement of vouched expenses incurred in the process of diagnosis and treatment, including travel expenses for attending medical appointments; physiotherapy, occupational therapy assessments, dental assessments and dietary services all on a needs basis.

Work is under way on the proposed Centre of Excellence for Narcolepsy based in St James's Hospital which will cater for all people diagnosed with narcolepsy, including those diagnosed with narcolepsy after receiving pandemic influenza vaccine.