Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With some laboratories the backlog is beginning to decrease as levels begin to return to more normal levels, but it has not decreased in all laboratories. Currently, the average waiting time is 22 weeks, which is far too long for women, for whom I understand it is causing significant concern. I want to see it reduced. Extra capacity is key in that regard. I should point out that not all of the backlog is due to repeat smear tests as other women entered the screening programme for the first time who had never been involved with it. That is, of course, good.

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