In relation to the development of services for women with cancer, the commitment of the Government is further evidenced by the introduction of the cervical screening programme. Cervical screening is a valuable preventive health measure when delivered as an organised screening programme. To meet the additional demand for cervical cytology laboratory services, additional resources of €2.5 million were made available in 2002 and a further €1.4 million is being made available in 2003 to develop both the laboratory and colposcopy services.