Independent TD Finian McGrath is facing calls to step down from his role as super-junior minister of Health after comments made about the HPV vaccine.
The Sunday Times had reported that McGrath had called for a ban on Gardasil, a vaccination used to prevent HPV – a condition which can lead to cervical cancer in women.
Minister for Health Simon Harris has today released a statement refuting McGrath’s original stance, writing “Ministers Harris and McGrath agree that the people qualified to give advice on vaccines are medical professionals and they would encourage parents to take advice from them.”
The statement also says that Deputy McGrath “assured Minister Harris that he supports the new campaign to encourage parents to avail of the HPV vaccine which saves lives.”
Statement by Minister @SimonHarrisTD on HPV Vaccine #ProtectOurFuture pic.twitter.com/UVJelp86JX
— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) September 3, 2017
However, many feel that McGrath’s public doubts over the vaccine have already done significant damage to public confidence.
Doctor and media figure Ciara Kelly wrote on her Twitter that “Unless Finian McGrath resigns it is clear that votes are more important in Leinster House than lives.”
Others have emphatically agreed with her, pointing out that Ireland’s current Taoiseach is himself a medical doctor.
https://twitter.com/ciarakellydoc/status/904337740552134656
Why has he not been fired? He's Junior HEALTH minister.
— Nicola (@nickers1973) September 3, 2017
I was 19 when CN3 was found. 19. Opposition to this vaccine is like signing a death sentence.
— Louise Jupe (@LouiseJupe) September 3, 2017
Finian McGrath now mouthing off on #HPV #vaccine Embarrassing having a clown like him as Jr. health minister @campaignforleo @SimonHarrisTD
— Susan Mitchell (@SusanMitchell_) September 2, 2017
A confession.
In 2007, believing his seat was in danger, I voted for Finian McGrath.
I apologise.
It will never happen again.— Gene Kerrigan (@GeneKerrigan) September 3, 2017
No, Finian McGrath should not resign. Leo Varadkar, who is a medical doctor, should sack him. Immediately. https://t.co/vS4fnzOiQT
— Peter McGuire (@PeterMcGuireIE) September 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/LukeMartin_DL/status/904109814875381760
Kelly, reflecting the widespread consensus in the community of medical professionals, has repeatedly highlighted the proven efficacy and safety of the HPV vaccine.
https://twitter.com/ciarakellydoc/status/903282251772899338
90 women die from cervical cancer each year in Ireland.
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