Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Why is the human papilloma virus, HPV, vaccine not covered under the drugs payment scheme for women who are advised to get it by their consultants or medical practitioners? The reason I ask is that the cost of the HPV vaccine is €600. Many families and women who do not qualify for a medical card because the thresholds are so low are under severe financial pressure. Forcing them to pay €600 for a medical intervention that is deemed necessary by their medical practitioners demonstrates to me that we have not learned from the cervical screening scandal and that we are not listening to women. Can the Taoiseach ask the Minister for Health to review the exclusion of the HPV vaccine from the drugs payment scheme and to liaise with national immunisation advisory committee, NIAC, to ensure that women who are deemed to be a high risk can have it without pushing them into further financial stress?

See this speech in context