The cervical screening programme is a valuable preventive health measure when delivered as an organised programme. Phase 1 commenced in the Mid-Western Health Board area in October 2000. Approximately 67,000 women in the 25 to 60 year age group will be screened at five yearly intervals free of charge. Funding allocated to the board to cover the annual cost of running phase 1 is in the region of almost €4 million. As part of an examination of the feasibility and implications of a roll-out of the national programme, the chief executive officers of the health boards are making arrangements to have an external review of phase 1 carried out during 2003. Other issues relating to the management of the national programme, in particular in the sphere of governance, are also being examined by them.