Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

What exactly changed the Minister's mind between August and now? Did she seek to make the saving anywhere else before she changed her mind, or did she take comfort in the fact that — as she rightly said — she is spending money on the cervical screening programme and on the cancer control programme? Did the Minister try to find the money somewhere else?

What would the Minister say to a parent who cannot afford the fee but who feels his or her child should have the vaccination? Would she suggest that he or she would borrow the money to have it done?

Does the Minister question the figures shown on page 38 of the HIQA report of 25 February 2008? A table shows the cost estimate for the school-based universal HPV vaccination programme. A three dose course is estimated at €300 for the vaccine and €90 for the administration fee, which comes to a total of €390. This morning on the radio the Minister referred to a cost of €600 per girl. How can she stand over the figures to which she referred this morning? Does she accept the figures on page 38 of the HIQA report?

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