I propose to take Questions Nos. 632 to 635, inclusive, together.
In view of the level of administration of oral polio vaccine after its expiry date, health boards were requested to examine how the administration of out of date vaccines occurred and the measures which should be put in place to prevent a recurrence. This matter was also brought to the attention of the Irish College of General Practitioners which was asked to review the matter and to consider the development of protocols in respect of vaccine administration.
In view of this incident health boards were also asked to examine systems and procedures currently in place, identify shortcomings where these exist and put in place revised systems-procedures as a matter of urgency. Health boards have also been asked to take appropriate measures in respect of vaccines administered from 2001 onwards to ensure the validation of all key information, that is, patient name, batch number and expiry date by cross reference to registration and supply databases.