Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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138. To ask the Minister for Health if immunocompromised groups of persons in need of immunisation from tuberculosis are being provided with the BCG vaccination; the measures he is undertaking to ensure there is a sufficient supply of the BCG vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8892/18]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Health Service Executive continues to experience on going delays with the supply of BCG vaccine.  BCG vaccine stock in all areas expired at the end of April 2015 and as of today this continues to be a problem for Ireland and other countries in Europe that use this licensed BCG vaccine.  Since this problem became apparent, the HSE National Immunisation Office (NIO) has been in regular contact with the manufacturer of BCG vaccine to ascertain when the vaccine might be available.  There is only one licensed supplier of BCG vaccine to Ireland and this vaccine manufacturer has informed the NIO that the BCG vaccine will not be delivered into Ireland until late 2018 at the earliest.  The NIO and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) have sought an alternative supply of BCG vaccine that meets safety, quality and effectiveness standards and that could be used in Ireland. To date no appropriate alternative manufacturer has been found.  When there is confirmation of a date for a new supply, the HSE will be guided by the recommendations of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee on its administration.