Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I have considered all the relevant advice available to me in relation to the potential public health benefits of HPV vaccination in the prevention of cervical cancer and the wider policy implications for its possible introduction into the National Immunisation Programme. I accept the consensus view of the relevant expert bodies that the introduction of a universal high uptake vaccination programme in young girls, in conjunction with population based cervical screening, could significantly reduce overall cervical cancer incidence. All of the clinical advice available to me indicates that, in the context of the limited resources available, the national roll-out of a cervical screening programme should take precedence over the introduction of a HPV vaccination programme. Accordingly, CervicalCheck, the national cancer screening programme commenced in September 2008. To date, more than 250,000 women have been screened.

In relation to cancer prevention and screening measures, my next priority is a colorectal screening service for men and women. This is supported by Prof. Tom Keane of the National Cancer Control Programme and also the Irish Cancer Society. There are around 2,200 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed each year in Ireland and around 950 deaths. A successful colorectal cancer screening programme has the potential to reduce incidence by 14.7% and mortality by 36%. I remain committed to the introduction of a cervical cancer vaccination programme at the earliest possible opportunity in accordance with clinical priorities.