Following on from the recommendations in this report, phase one of the national cervical screening programme commenced in the Mid-Western Health Board in October 2000. A key concern in relation to the development of phase one is that of ensuring a service which is underpinned by quality assurance and best practice. Under the programme, in the region of 67,000 women in the 25 to 60 age group will be screened at five yearly intervals free of charge. Under the national health strategy, a commitment has been given to the full extension of the programme to the rest of the country.