1011. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Health for an update on RSV Immunisation Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33963/26]

The immunisation programme in Ireland is informed by the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC considers the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland as well as international best practice in relation to immunisation when developing its advice.

My Department has agreed the scope of the RSV Infant Immunisation Pathfinder Programme for 2026/2027, which will be the same as for the 2025/2026 season. That is, RSV immunisation will be offered to babies born in-season and infants aged 6 months old or younger at the start of the RSV season, in line with NIAC advice.

My Department is considering the findings and options set out in HIQA's recently published HTA on RSV immunisation for infants and adults, including operational and budget impacts, ahead of making a policy decision on a longer-term RSV immunisation strategy.