According to the latest Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) report dated 24th March, there are currently 19,869 reports describing suspected side effects linked to Covid-19 vaccines in Ireland. 110 reports of deaths have been received by the HPRA describing an individual who was known to have been vaccinated and subsequently passed away
Even if a small percentage of patients or families with suspected side effects and deaths were eligible for compensation, each individual sick victim has to hire a specialist legal team and go through the courts on a lengthy journey in an adversarial legal process.
Meanwhile, the UK have launched a Covid-19 specific plan which could see victims of the Covid-19 vaccine receive up-to £120,000 in compensation.
A parliamentary question asked by Mattie McGrath TD (IND), asked Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) for a status update on the establishment of a vaccine injury compensation fund specifically relating to Covid-19 vaccine injuries; The deputy also asked when this fund will be made available to assist those suffering from adverse effects. Mattie McGrath also wished to know the the details of the application process.
Stephen Donnelly, the Fianna Fail Minister for Health answered the parliamentary question saying;
“There are no plans at present for the introduction of a COVID-19 specific vaccine compensation scheme.”
“In June 2018, the Government agreed to the establishment of the expert group to review the management of clinical negligence claims. It was chaired by the High Court judge, Mr. Justice Charles Meenan. The expert group examined the system from the perspective of the person who has made the claim to explore if there is a better way to deal effectively, yet more sensitively, with certain case.”
“Mr. Justice Meenan submitted the final report on the current system for managing clinical negligence claims to the then Minister for Health and Minister for Justice in January 2020, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government subsequently published the Meenan report in December 2020. One of the report’s recommendations is for the establishment of a compensation scheme to deal with certain vaccine damage claims.
On foot of a request from the Department of Health, the Health Research Board, HRB, carried out an evidence review on the vaccine injury redress programmes in other jurisdictions, which was completed in March 2019. The expert group’s report, in addition to the HRB’s evidence review, and consultation with other Departments and relevant State agencies will inform the development of proposals regarding the establishment of a vaccine compensation scheme, including the need for primary legislation. The Department of Health are planning for the development of policy in this regard.”
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