Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

That is the HSE response as quoted in all the newspapers recently. The vaccination programme was intended for ten and 12 year old girls. Moreover, the HIQA report that was given to the Minister for Health and Children also stated there should be a catch-up phase for 13 to 15 year olds. Both measures have been scrapped although in August, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, stated "it is clear the main priority now is to move to the introduction of the vaccination programme for 12 year old girls to commence in September 2009".

I refer to the Taoiseach's statement yesterday to the effect he must make adjustments, between tax increases and cuts, in the order of €5,000 million, to bring the economy back into shape by 2010. In this case, he is aware the figures produced show there would be a saving of €2.7 million, because of disease avoided, on an annual basis over time. Nevertheless, this vital vaccination programme now is gone.

More than seven years have passed since the issues of the north east first were brought to the Government's attention. I will provide the Taoiseach with an example that demonstrates both how dysfunctional is the HSE, which is the creation of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and the reason the Government is unable to make savings in this area. I have to hand a letter from an employee of the HSE who, in an act of patriotism as called for by the Minister for Finance, instructed his bosses to reduce his salary by 5%. The HSE's response to him was that his request was unusual. It went on to state, "I would be grateful if you would assist my understanding of your request before I consider appropriate actions". This was the response of the HSE to an employee who asked it to reduce his salary, as an act of patriotism, by 5% for 2009.

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