367. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health if a decision has been reached regarding the use of the new vaccination against meningitis B, Bexsero, here; when a decision will be made as to whether this drug will be made available in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6839/15]

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland comprising of experts in a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health. The committee's recommendations are informed by public health advice, international best practice, and a cost effective analysis conducted by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics.

NIAC has issued guidance in relation to the use of the Meningitis B vaccine in the control of clusters or outbreaks of Meningococcal B disease.

My Department has recently received a letter from the Chairman of NIAC regarding the introduction of the Meningitis B vaccine into the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule. This matter will be considered by my Department.