Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is important to remember that cervical screening saves lives and has saved a significant number of lives over the past ten years. The issue we are dealing with is quality control and how those who were missed were dealt with. It is very important that we maintain confidence in the cervical screening programme because it saves lives. Cervical screening picks up early changes, people are treated easily and their disease is prevented from progressing. It is important to keep that in mind when we are examining these issues. The programme is a very positive, effective and important part of our health service and it is vital that it is continued and confidence in it is restored.