Madam, - In light of the Government's retraction of the cervical cancer vaccination programme, may I suggest how those desperately unimaginative politicians could raise the money to proceed with it?
Based on WHO data on smoking in Ireland, an extra 50 cent on a packet of cigarettes would yield the €10 million required for the programme in approximately seven weeks, enabling it to begin in January.
I'm sure the Government would say: "But it's not that simple". But it is. If there was anyone in the Government with any bottle or any initiative, they would surely be able to find numerous ways of finding the money required.
The fact that Mary Harney is still Minister for Health after her clear failure to provide a world-class, confidence-inspiring health service is quite unbelievable. It is a reflection of the complete lack of real leadership and accountability in this country. - Yours, etc,
Madam, - Dr Jim McDaid abstained in the Dáil vote on the Fine Gael motion to reverse the decision to postpone the cervical cancer vaccination.
Dr McDaid is entitled to abstain if his conscience so directs. However, there are people across all party lines, including medical professionals, who for many reasons were not in favour of the introduction of the cancer vaccination in good or bad times.
I object to his use of inflammatory, extreme and fear-inducing language whereby he equates the withdrawal of the vaccine with the death of girls. If that was the case his conscience did not go far enough and lead him to vote with the motion. - Yours, etc,