Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have to take every single opportunity to call out the people who consistently tell mistruths about this because it will cost people their lives. Every year approximately 300 women get cervical cancer and 100 will die. The HPV vaccination has been tested to within an inch of its life and is internationally recognised as saving lives. Due to misinformation and scaremongering being put out by some people - some of whom should know better - it has led to a significant decrease. The HSE, my Department and I will continue to put forward the benefits of HPV and I appeal to all colleagues on all sides of this House - and I know there is cross-party support on this - to take every single opportunity to debunk the myths. It is straightforward. If one wants to give medical advice, become a doctor. If one does not want to become a doctor, do not give medical advice. If people give medical advice on Twitter and other social media, confuse people and engage in scaremongering, it will have a detrimental effect on the lives and well-being of girls and boys in this country. It will cost lives so there is a responsibility on all of us - the health service and the political system - to show leadership. It is a very important vaccine.