LATEST: HSE raps Bishop for comments that cervical cancer vaccine could encourage promiscuity

"The women of Ireland might be better served if Bishop Cullinan left pronouncements on important clinical matters such as vaccination programmes to the experts in that field," the HSE's communications spokesman said.

Update 3.30pm: A bishop has been warned by health chiefs that he is endangering women's lives over his opposition to a vaccine which helps prevent cervical cancer.

Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Phonsie Cullinan said giving the injection to 12-year-old girls to guard against the human papilloma virus could lead to promiscuity.