151 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the programmes or financial assistance available to parents who wish to get their older school going daughters protected with the HPV vaccine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40896/10]

The national HPV vaccination programme commenced in May in secondary schools for girls in first year. The second phase of the HPV vaccination programme is now underway. During this calendar year all girls currently in second year and those who entered first year in September are being offered vaccination. The programme will continue with the vaccine being offered to all girls in first year in secondary school each year. It is not proposed to extend the vaccination programme to other classes at present. Unfortunately it will not be possible to refund the costs of vaccinations administered privately.