Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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527. To ask the Minister for Health to set out the average waiting time for women to be informed of their smear test results after having had the test; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some women are still waiting for their test results after 18 weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44754/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters, and accordingly I have asked the HSE to reply directly to her on the specific issues raised.

The HSE advises that CervicalCheck laboratory activity remains significantly above normal levels. This is a result both of out-of-cycle smears, and also increased uptake generally. This has impacted turnaround times for results of smear tests. The HSE also advises that every effort is being made to ensure that tests are processed as quickly as possible, having regard to the high standards required for testing. This is a priority concern for my Department and the HSE.