Dr. Kevin Kelleher:

It would prevent anogenital warts in both boys and girls and also reduce the likelihood of the other related cancers of which we know. We always speak about cervical cancer, but it is now quite clearly known that other cancers, as mentioned by Dr. Connolly earlier, including cancers of the anus, the mouth and under the pharynx, are also linked to this virus because they are, basically, a sexually transmitted disease. Therefore, boys need it not only to help with the prevention of the cervical cancer but also for their own personal protection. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee, NIAC, has made that recommendation. As Dr. Connolly stated, it depends on whether it turns out to be cost-effective for us as a state to do that.

To answer the Deputy's question - I am sorry I did not do so - my daughter has had the vaccine. I actually paid for the vaccine because she had it before the programme was introduced in this country. It is a national programme. My daughter would have received it under the national programme that I lead, but I paid for her to receive it.