Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 17: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she is reconsidering the decision to postpone the introduction of the proposed HPV vaccine programme for 12 year old girls; her views on whether the original estimate of its cost can be reduced and that it is a relatively small amount of money in the overall budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6537/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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All of the clinical advice available to me indicates that the national roll-out of a cervical screening programme should take precedence over the introduction of a HPV vaccination programme. The National Cervical Screening Programme, CervicalCheck, is being implemented at a full year cost of €35m.

In relation to the cost of the HPV vaccine, it is a matter for the Health Service Executive, 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.