Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I support and will, if necessary, second the amendment proposed to the Order of Business by Senator Fitzgerald on the need for a debate on the Government U-turn on the cervical cancer vaccination programme. The impressive and inspiring Nobel prize-winning scientist who spoke on "Morning Ireland" today concluded that the vaccination programme would save lives. This makes clear what the Government's reversal of policy means for women and young girls. Women, anyone with an interest in public health promotion and all those who have young daughters should be supportive of the need for a reversal of the Government's reversal and a return to the Minister for Health and Children's original position of three months ago that the programme would be rolled out next year. A debate is needed.

I am pleased to announce I will speak at a feminist open forum protest at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the spire on O'Connell Street. We ask people to come forward and express their opposition to the Government's reversal.