Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Before agreeing to this proposal, I wish to ask the Taoiseach whether some arrangement will be made today for the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House to offer an explanation on two matters she spoke about yesterday. The first is her decision to cancel the vaccination programme for young girls against cervical cancer. The announcement of the cancellation of the vaccination programme is surprising, given that it is only three months since she announced the programme was to go ahead. The House should hear an explanation from the Minister about that today.

Second, I am concerned about statements attributed to the Minister for Health and Children yesterday with regard to drugs that are available under the medical card. There are reports that the Minister said yesterday that some drugs currently available under the medical card will be removed from the list and that some medications and treatments available under the drugs refund scheme will be removed from the scope of that scheme. The Minister should be given the opportunity to come to the House today to offer an explanation and respond to questions from Members.

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