Commitments were given in the last two programmes for Government to introduce a no-fault vaccine compensation scheme. This was promised again by the Taoiseach's predecessor in advance of the introduction of the Covid vaccine programme. My engagement on this issue with Ministers for Health has been ongoing for the last 250 months, or over two decades. When will we see this compensation scheme introduced in this State as is the case in many other countries across the globe?

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. During the pandemic all available Department of Health resources were devoted to the public health response. This meant that work on a vaccine damage compensation scheme was stalled. However, a senior counsel has prepared an initial report on this for the Department. It is expected that further work on it will be advanced this year. A similar scheme exists in the UK already. It is a good model to follow and one that can provide an alternative to court which is expensive, lengthy and stressful for all.