Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

In February this year the Minister announced the introduction of the cervical cancer vaccine available free to medical card holders and young girls presenting in the 11-13 age group. What is the opinion of the Minister of recent criticism by Dr. Kevin Connolly, a paediatrician and member of the national immunisation advisory committee, of the delay in determination of the safety of the vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix? The criticism is of the inordinate delay in bringing forward these vaccines employed in other jurisdictions, apparently successfully. While I agree we must be fully certain of the safety to avoid dangerous side effects in any group of possible recipients, does the Minister have an indication of the interim determination of the HIQA studies on the vaccines?

In the programme broadcast last night in respect of Professor Tom Keane's role in British Columbia in cancer care redress, it was clearly indicated that the incidence of cervical cancer in the region had been reduced to minimum levels as a result of a combination of vaccination and screening. The programme here involves vaccination only. What progress has been made towards including screening as a component part of the programme aimed at dealing with this terrible scourge which is faced by too many women?

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