Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

Every year, 250 women in Ireland are diagnosed with cervical cancer and, sadly, around 90 lives are lost to this disease. It is something the Government takes very seriously. The Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, is very passionate about it. Ireland is on track to eliminate cervical cancer in just 15 years, by 2040. That will be remarkable progress that will save lives. Cervical cancer, as we know, is among the few cancers that can be effectively prevented with vaccination and cervical screening. This is why it is so important that we continue to advise people to take part in these screenings, where it is appropriate for them.