Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is correct. It is also important to inform the House that we are considering extending the vaccine to boys. Recently, I asked HIQA to carry out a health technology assessment on the benefits for boys of this vaccination, which is due to be completed in 2018. The Government will act accordingly regarding that.

There is an onus on all of us to debunk the myths, publicise the medical facts and help parents to make informed decisions. My advice to parents is very simple. If they have a question, they should absolutely ensure it is answered, but they should get the facts and information from people who are qualified to give it to them. They should go to www.hpv.ie, where they will find all the facts, visit a doctor or talk to a pharmacist or school immunisation team. There is a great deal of information out there to help them to make the best decisions for their daughters.