Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

This matter is being dealt with during Private Members' business tonight so there will be an opportunity for all Members to put their views on the record. Those who get the vaccine must also undergo screening. The vaccine is not 100% effective in preventing cervical cancer. It is important that we do not use emotional language but that we be specific. All people who receive the vaccination must be screened. Screening provides 95% protection against cancer development, but the vaccine does not provide that level of surety. Thus, it is important not to suggest, as some Members seem to be, that non-provision of the vaccine puts people at risk. The screening programme provides 95% cover, which is a far greater level of effectiveness than the vaccination itself. It is important that those facts are stated. The screening programme is the best option. Other countries do not have the vaccination. Finland and Sweden do not use it, for example, yet these countries have strong health care systems.

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