David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 259: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she or the Health Service Executive have carried out a detailed cost analysis before making the decision to provide the HPV vaccine through schools and special HSE clinics as opposed to making it available through general practitioner network or primary care centres; the cost of staffing and location of the HSE clinics who will provide the HPV vaccine to girls in July, 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20351/10]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 260: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason the HPV vaccine will not be provided to girls free through the general practitioner network when this network is used to provide smear tests through the national cervical screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20352/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 260 together.

Matters such as the staffing and funding of the HPV vaccination programme are, in the first instance, the responsibility of the HSE and I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to industrial action affecting the HSE, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

However, the HPV vaccine will be provided free to first year girls in secondary school rather than a specific age group. The vaccination schedule requires three doses of the vaccination to be given over the course of a six month period. Evidence from other countries (UK and Australia) has shown that the highest uptake rates are achieved when HPV vaccine is administered in schools (3rd dose uptakes of over 80% versus less than 65% for GP administration). I am satisfied that the policy of delivering the vaccination programme mainly in school settings is the most appropriate one.