Dr. Lorraine Doherty:

I thank the Deputy for her question. As she is aware, I was not involved in the service at that time. I am not aware of what information GPs were sharing at that time regarding the demand for services. The decision to undertake a cervical smear is between the GP or other doctor and his or her patient. It is a decision that is taken in a clinical consultation context and it is a clinical decision. What informs that decision is between the doctor and the patient and I cannot comment on what individual doctors would discuss with their patients. However, when an intervention such as a cervical smear is offered, the decision as to whether it is appropriate for the patient is taken by the GP and the patient.