Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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1465. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department is aware of an academic study (details supplied) that shows increased public health benefits, including increased vaccine coverage rates, in France, following the decision of the French government to legislate for the HPV vaccine to be administered in pharmacies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29789/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department.

The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are selected, where possible, in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. The HPV vaccine is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes exposed to HPV infection. The HPV vaccine is currently offered, free of charge, to boys and girls in first year of secondary school and is administered through the School Immunisation Programme. It is critical that the HPV vaccine is administered early and before any likely exposure to HPV.

The Department of Health will continue to be guided by NIAC's recommendations on any emerging evidence in this area.