Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
131. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health whether the recommendations of the 2009 Vaccine Damage Steering Group report have been implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28205/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the development of a vaccine damage scheme is a long-standing Government commitment and it remains a priority for my Department.
The 2009 Vaccine Damage steering group recommended the establishment of a vaccine damage redress scheme. It recommended ex-gratia support for rare serious adverse reactions and also emphasised maintaining public confidence in vaccination programmes, which would be achieved through appropriate recognition of such outcomes.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government has established a number of vaccination programmes, including those based on the principle of “community immunity” which require high uptake to be effective. It has also recommended vaccination for specific cohorts during public health emergencies to mitigate the overall impact of the disease.
Notwithstanding appropriate design, manufacture and administration, vaccines can, in very rare cases, cause adverse reactions. Where the State actively promotes vaccination to enhance community immunity and safeguard health and social care services, I believe that a moral duty of care arises towards those individuals who experience those rare adverse reactions.
In this regard, my officials have undertaken substantial work to develop a model for a vaccine damage scheme, and that work is continuing to refine and strengthen the proposal. Once this process is complete, I intend to bring the model to Cabinet for discussion and consideration, subject to the finalisation of the necessary policy work, in advance of the summer recess.
