Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Mr. McCallion has been most eloquent, but I think this is a huge risk. I think there is a significant overlap. I do not think there are enough resources and that will affect the roll-out of HPV testing.

When it comes to the backlog, some of the women who were triaged cases may have to go back for screening sooner than others. Some women might be asked to come back because of potential changes in six months or a year. How are they prioritised when it comes to the backlog? If somebody wants a free smear or somebody is coming back for a standard review but another woman needs a test as a priority because she is told to come back every six months or every year, I want to have confidence that the woman with a more serious need will not end up in a scenario where she is waiting 20 weeks or there is a delay. If women are being asked to come back earlier than normal then there is a medical reason or potential risk involved. Could Mr. McCallion give guarantees in that regard? That is important for the people watching at home. I have had a lot of correspondence on the matter. I even spoke to a woman this morning before I came in here. It is important that those women are prioritised and for the want of a better phrase, are put on the correct step of the ladder.