Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when she will introduce a cervical cancer vaccine programme for schoolgirls; if she has had further discussions on the cost and feasibility of introducing the scheme in Autumn 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45502/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As I have already indicated, I accept fully the expert advice provided to me in support of the introduction of a cervical cancer vaccination programme. However, I also have a responsibility as Minister to consider this and many other competing priorities within the overall resources available to the health services. My immediate responsibility in relation to cervical cancer is to women who have already been exposed to HPV and who may already have precancerous changes or undetected cervical cancer. Vaccination is a long-term investment which will deliver improved health outcomes and treatment savings in 15 to 30 years. All of the clinical advice available to me indicates that the national roll-out of a cervical screening programme should be my number one priority. The National Cervical Screening Programme, CervicalCheck, is being implemented with effect from September of this year. The full year cost of this programme is €35m.

In relation to the cost of the vaccine, it is a matter for the Health Service Executive to go through the normal procurement procedures to select an appropriate supplier who can make the vaccine available at the most advantageous price. The actual purchase price in Ireland can only be established when the HSE has completed the procurement process. I have no role in the procurement process.

I am fully committed to keeping the introduction of a HPV vaccination programme under active review as we proceed to implement the National Cancer Programme.