asked the Minister for Health (i) when the panel of medical experts was set up to examine children suspected of suffering brain damage from the pertussis vaccine; (ii) its terms of reference; (iii) the total number of children examined; (iv) when the last examination was completed; (v) the number of cases in which a link with pertussis was established; and (vi) if he is yet in a position to state the Government's intention in regard to possible compensation for established cases.

The Expert Medical Group on Whooping Cough Vaccination was established in November 1977 with the following terms of reference: To examine persons who, it is claimed, have been permanently damaged by whooping cough vaccination, review the medical information available in relation to them and indicate whether, in their opinion, the damage is attributable to the vaccination.

To date, 50 persons have been examined by the group. They have not, as yet, completed their work. It would not be appropriate for me to provide specific information regarding the group's findings or to make any other statement in the matter, until such time as the group complete their work.

When did the group commence examining the children?

The expert group was established in November 1977. There was a meeting in March 1977 with a deputation from the association which included the present Taoiseach, then Opposition spokesman on Health, and Deputy O'Connell. It was agreed to set up an expert medical group at that stage. The group was set up in November 1977. There was some delay initially about the terms of reference I think. Once that was sorted out the expert group have been proceeding with the cases.

In view of the fact that only 50 children are involved and that it has taken three-and-a-half years to date, could the Minister state when the panel of experts will have completed their examination, and what will be the recommendations of the Government in respect of these children where there is an established link between the brain damage and the pertussis vaccine? Is the Minister aware of the report published in Britain yesterday, or the day before, about the definite link established between pertussis and brain damage? Would he take the conclusions of that report into consideration in any decision taken in regard to these children?

I understand two further cases came to light fairly recently and that these are currently being examined. I understand also that the group will be in a position to report within a matter of a month or two, so it is quite close to completion. I am aware of the report mentioned by the Deputy and on the basis of that study a risk factor of one per 100,000——

One per 90,000.

——has been shown. I think the findings here might well agree with that finding.

Could the Minister assure the parents of these children that, in principle, he supports the claim that they have to have some form of monetary compensation to enable them to care adequately for their children during their future lives?

I will certainly undertake to look sympathetically at and to give every consideration to that matter.

A final supplementary from Deputy O'Connell.

In view of the fact that the incidence is so low—one in 90,000—and that the incidence of brain damage from pertussis itself is so high, a statement from the Minister to that effect might reassure the many parents of children who are still in great fear of having the vaccine?

I think that is very true. I think the study carried out in England and the indications here are both of the same order. Certainly it is a reassurance in relation to the use of the vaccine.