Green Party TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Mary White, has welcomed the Minister for Health’s announcement that the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer will be implemented this year.
Cervical cancer is diagnosed in approximately 200-300 women in Ireland each year.
Commenting on the Minister’s announcement last week, the Green Party Deputy Leader said that while the Government has increased its efforts to combat this form of cancer over the past two years with investment in cervical cancer screening, there was understandable disappointment when implementation of the cervical cancer vaccine was postponed in 2008.
“During negotiations on a revised Programme for Government last October, of which I was a participant, the Green Party worked hard to ensure this commitment was maintained. I am delighted therefore that the Minister has announced the vaccine will be given to all girls in first year of secondary school this year. This is the same group of girls who would have received the vaccine under original plans for 2009.
“The roll-out of the vaccine this year will undoubtedly sustain the health of girls in our own constituency who might otherwise have been endangered by cervical cancer in the future.
On the issue of screening for colorectal cancer, Deputy White added, “I also welcome the announcement of details of the colorectal cancer screening programme, which will initially be targeted at a particularly vulnerable age group. This is also an important measure in preventative terms.”
Meanwhile, Councillor Andrew McGuinness also welcomed the announcement which he added was helped to come about following a recommendation by members of Ireland’s youth parliament, Dáil na nÓg.
“This was the top recommendation voted by delegates at Dáil na nÓg in February 2009 and the council of young people has been working on this issue for the last 10 months. Dáil na nÓg is the annual national parliament for young people aged 12-18 years,” said Cllr McGuinness.
“On Saturday, January 16, the Dáil na nÓg Council met with Mary Harney TD, Minister for Health and Children and Barry Andrews TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. The young councillors welcomed Minister Harney’s decision to commence a cervical cancer vaccine programme for 12 year-old girls,” he said.
