Sir, – Someone needs to remind Finian McGrath, a Minister of State, that the vast array of medical experts employed by the Department of Health and the HSE is at his disposal whenever he wishes to form an educated opinion or take a position on any medical issue ("'I cocked up': Finian McGrath on his handling of HPV vaccine", News, September 6th). That is what the experts are there for. He doesn't need to create a policy stance based on the views of whatever constituents happen to attend his constituency clinic. Although I admire Mr McGrath's courage in making a public U-turn in the matter, his naive conduct on the HPV vaccination issue demonstrates that TDs and Ministers should be given some sort of initiation and training for their roles. At present their conduct suggests that they receive no training whatsoever. – Yours, etc,
LESLIE LAWLESS,
Dublin 4.