All attempts to trace the source of a vaccination administered to a physically and mentally retarded Galway man had failed, the Dail was told last night.
Mr Bobby Molloy said that Mr Patrick O'Halloran (28) Bolybeg, Barna, Co Galway, received a three-in-one vaccination in February, 1970, under the State administered scheme. He received further vaccinations in March, April and May, 1970.
He now had the intelligence of an infant of one year and was physically developed to about the age of eight or nine. His mother was convinced that this was as a result of the administration of the vaccination.
It appeared, he added, no records were kept, so the State should at least make an exgratia payment to Patrick O'Halloran.
The Minister of State for Health, Mr Brian O'Shea, said no record was found of his immunisation, and he very much regretted that no further steps could be taken to establish a link between his condition and the vaccine.