Liam Moloney, a partner at Moloney & Co Solicitors in Naas, Co Kildare, said that while he supports all national vaccination schemes, in a “minority of cases” some people may suffer a “significant adverse reaction”.

The State assumed indemnity when it bought the Covid vaccines from manufacturers.

The State Claims Agency said: “To date, the State Claims Agency has been notified of 80 Covid-19 vaccine claims.”

Among those who have contacted Moloney & Co Solicitors are people who have developed myocarditis and pericarditis, which are linked to inflammation of the heart muscles, in addition to people suffering from Bell’s palsy and SIRVA, a shoulder injury linked to vaccine administration.

“Vaccines are in the main safe and I fully support the vaccination process. But in a minority of cases, a significant adverse reaction can occur. We will be vigorously fighting these cases on our clients’ behalf,” Mr Moloney said.

He said people had no choice but to take action as the State has not established a compensation scheme for anyone who suffered an injury arising from the the vaccination programmes, despite the fact a scheme was first proposed in 2020.

The Department of Health told the Sunday Independent that its officials have “completed significant work to develop a model for a vaccine damage scheme and are working through related policy matters. The model will be considered by the Health Minister shortly and, if approved, will be brought to Cabinet for further consideration”.

“I’m representing a number of clients who have been left in a very vulnerable position because there is no scheme for vaccine compensation. They feel they have been left with no choice but to issue legal proceedings to secure compensation. There is no reason it has taken the Government so long to establish this scheme,” Mr Moloney said.

“There are significant barriers to justice. The risks and costs in litigation are high. It is unfair and unjust to force people into courts,” he added.