Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Health Billy Kelleher has called for the Minister for Health to clarify his role in the issuing of a letter to patients suffering from narcolepsy which said payments for their medical expenses were to cease.
Deputy Kelleher made the comments after the chief executive of the HSE said he would set aside the letter and payment would continue to be made.
Deputy Kelleher said: “It is extremely important that we know what role Minister Reilly played in this matter. The fact that the HSE chief executive seems to have been utterly unaware of this is very disturbing and points to the continuing chaos and confusion in the health service under Minister Reilly. I am very pleased that Tony O’Brien has moved swiftly to clarify the situation for the families concerned.
“The families of those suffering from narcolepsy apparently linked to the human swine flu vaccine would incur significant financial costs if their medical expenses were not being met by the HSE. The sleep disorder has a major impact on the patient’s daily life and the Minister and the HSE must bear this in mind at all times.
“I am calling on Minister Reilly to state clearly he role on this matter and how this issue transpired. I believe he should also ensure all of the families concerned are written to again, setting out clearly the position regarding payment for their medical expenses.”
