James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The Minister makes the assumption that this measure will be budget neutral but many have calculated that as much as €15 million will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of this levy. In that circumstance, and in a year when we cannot vaccinate our young women against cervical cancer at a cost of €10 million, I hoped that this money, at least, might have been ring-fenced for health services rather than have it go back into the Exchequer. Can the Minister tell the House why it is not possible to ring-fence this money? If the money becomes available why can the Minister not give a commitment to the House that it will be used to bring in the cervical vaccination programme?

See this speech in context