HOW THE CRISIS UNFOLDED

APRIL-AUGUST 2009 – World Health Organisation (WHO) warns of global swine flu pandemic.

JULY-SEPTEMBER 2009 – The vaccine Pandemrix is sanctioned for use in Ireland with the Government offering its manufacturers a full indemnity, making the Irish taxpayer liable for any potential claims arising. Ireland obtains around eight million vaccine doses.

OCTOBER 2009 – First Pandemrix vaccinations begin as swine flu campaign rolls out across Europe.

MARCH 2010 – HSE orders halt to the use of Pandemrix as swine flu fears ease.

AUGUST 2010 – Major studies launched in Sweden, Finland and later Norway amid concerns over a sudden spike in cases of narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.

JANUARY 2011 – HSE releases stocks of Pandemrix from storage amid fears of a shortage of the normal winter flu vaccine.

FEBRUARY 2011 – Finland’s NIHW says a spike in narcolepsy cases could be linked to Pandemrix.

MARCH 2011 – A Swedish study indicates similar findings to the Finnish report.

MARCH 2011 – HSE orders recall of all Pandemrix as shortfall of winter flu vaccine fails to materialise.

APRIL 2012 – Government report published which says an increased risk of narcolepsy among young people could be linked to the vaccine.