Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I will be careful because I am not a clinician. I understand that all vaccines have a downside as well as a benefit and, when a vaccine comes to the market, one takes a balanced view of whether it is likely to be beneficial or marginally negative. That is the case with this, as with any other vaccine. The authorities will advise the age at which it should be given, which is 11 to 12 years for girls. It is my strong view that it should be introduced in Ireland, subject to the advice confirming that in January. If that is the case, it makes sense to seek to do it in conjunction, not simultaneously but in the same period, with the roll-out of the cervical screening programme. This is a preventative measure and the benefits of it will not be seen until at least 20 years hence. We must act now in order to have the benefits in that timeframe. We must consider whether we will give the vaccine through schools and address matters such as parental consent.

See this speech in context