Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

It is often pointed out to us that it is difficult for GPs, for example, to say whether a colonoscopy is urgent. The Minister should not just concentrate on urgent colonoscopies and the need to reach the target of four weeks. As I said, it is very hard to know whether a colonoscopy is urgent and all colonoscopies need to be carried out within a safe period of time. Will the Minister address that issue?

Is it intended that advanced nurse practitioners will do the screening? Will gastroenterologists be involved as well? There is a concern that the capacity will need to be increased considerably if the screening is not to affect the regular symptomatic colonoscopies required.

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