Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will make two very quick points. I understand there is to be a statement from the Minister for Education and Skills this afternoon on the problems with the grading system for the leaving certificate. It is an evolving story but a very serious one. We may need to have an emergency debate on that issue tomorrow.

Today, 30 September, would have been the 28th birthday of Laura Brennan had she lived, but as Members know she died in March of last year of cervical cancer. She dedicated the last 18 months of her life to campaigning for the HPV vaccine and the critical importance of families ensuring their young 13-year-old boys and girls would avail of the vaccine. The months of September and October are a critical period for first years in school to avail of the vaccine. As a result of Laura Brennan's campaigning, take-up of the vaccine went from 50% to 81% nationally last year and to 90% in her native County Clare. On the day of her birthday, I make a special appeal to all parents to ensure they sign the necessary documentation to ensure their boys and girls avail of the HPV vaccine. They should do it for their children's health and for the memory of Laura Brennan, a great campaigner, Irish woman and County Clare person. Let us get the figure up to 100% this year. Let us do it because it is in the interests of the health of the young people of this country.