Jim McDaid (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 390: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the situation with regard the HPV vaccine; when it will be available to women here; and the type of structure envisaged for its use. [1743/08]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 449: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on provision of the cervical cancer vaccine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2208/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 449 together.

The most effective strategy for the prevention of cervical cancer requires decisions based on an assessment of the relative contributions of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination and cervical screening in reducing the burden of both existing and projected cervical precancerous changes and cervical cancer. Issues to be examined include the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the vaccine for different age groups and for differing levels of screening provision and uptake.

As is being done in other jurisdictions, Ireland is now considering the potential role of HPV vaccination in addressing the problem of cervical cancer prevention. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has undertaken a scientific assessment of the public health value of HPV following a request from my Department. NIAC and the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS), agreed that this work needed to be complemented by a study of the cost effectiveness of the vaccine in the current Irish context. Accordingly, both organisations requested that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) undertake this study. One of the key functions of the Authority is the assessment of health technology, drugs and health promotion activities. When I have received the policy advice from HIQA and NCSS I will make the necessary decisions that arise from the advice.The NCSS is planning to roll-out the National Cervical Screening Programme on a national basis this year. A national cervical screening programme will still be required regardless of a decision on a HPV vaccination program this year.