Written answers

Wednesday, 10 May 2017

Photo of Willie PenroseWillie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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214. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he will take to ensure funding is provided to affected narcolepsy patients whose condition arose from vaccines they received during the swine flu vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22371/17]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) had received 81 reports with clinical information confirming a diagnosis of narcolepsy in individuals who were immunised with pandemic influenza 2009/2010 vaccine up to 16 March 2017. The majority of these reports relate to people who were children or adolescents at the time of administration of the vaccine.

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. These include discretionary medical cards, reimbursement of expenses associated with diagnosis and treatment, home tuition and learning supports. 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.

St. James's Hospital has put together a proposal for a national service for patients with all forms of narcolepsy in adults and in children transitioning from the paediatric services. The development of this service is being prioritised by my Department in the 2018 Estimates process. In the interim, the HSE will continue to pay for access to the services, such as dietician and psychology services, that would have been provided in the Centre of Excellence from private providers to so that none of the affected individuals miss out on receiving these supports.

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