Three years ago, the long-awaited final report of the expert group on the review of the law of torts and the management of clinical negligence claims was published but we are still waiting for action. This includes the provision of the long-awaited vaccine damage compensation scheme, which the Tánaiste committed to progressing both as Minister for health and as Taoiseach. It is in the interests of both public health, and the individuals and their families concerned, to deliver a no-fault compensation scheme for those who have been damaged by State-run vaccination programmes. Some 12 months ago, the Tánaiste told me in the House that there was an ongoing consideration of such a scheme within the Department of Health, but last month the Minister for Health said that such a compensation scheme required further scoping work and detailed consideration. Are we ever going to actually see the scheme which I believe is being delayed within the Department of Health?

I am not sure I can add anything further to what the Minister said to the Deputy last month, but I will engage again. We need a scheme but I have no doubt that there are significant implications and complications involved in the design of any such scheme. I am of the view that such a scheme should come through.