Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government makes a commitment to improve cancer prevention and treatment. The Tánaiste will know this is European cervical cancer prevention week, which is a critical issue. The Irish Family Planning Association and CervicalCheck are running their annual Pearl of Wisdom campaign. Each year 260 women in Ireland are diagnosed with cervical cancer and up to 70 lives are lost. Public awareness on screening is essential and women aged between 25 and 60 can avail of regular free checks.

However, we all remember the recent controversy over the HPV vaccine. It is essential that we continue to communicate the effectiveness of vaccination. I ask the Tánaiste to provide clarity as to whether the Government has decided to extend this vital life-saving vaccine to boys as well as to girls?

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