Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the new vaccine for the prevention of the human papilloma virus will be available nationally. [29591/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In parallel with the roll-out of the Irish Cervical Screening Programme, we like other jurisdictions will examine the potential role of HPV vaccination. In Ireland we have a significant opportunity to assess the vaccination in advance of a national roll out. Issues to be examined include the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the vaccine, categories of women who should be vaccinated, immunity duration and booster requirements and the implications for the national screening programme. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee and the soon to be established National Cancer Screening Agency will be asked to address all aspects of a vaccination programme and advise on an integrated approach that reflects evidence based priorities.