Kenny says vaccine move 'short-sighted'

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has criticised the Government's decision to row back on the promise to provide free cervical cancer vaccines to girls between 10 and 12 years old.

During Leaders' Questions in the Dáil, he said the move was short-sighted and was cynically announced on the day of the US presidential election in the hope that people would not notice it.

The Taoiseach said the vaccine program for young girls remained a priority.

Brian Cowen pointed to the recent announcement of free smear tests for women between 25 and 60.