Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 335: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 793 of 29 September, 2004, if she will report on progress to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2124/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The examination on the feasibility and implications of a national roll out of a cervical screening programme, referred to in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 793, has now been completed. The Health Board Executive, HeBE, commissioned an international expert in cervical screening to carry out the examination and her report has been submitted to my Department.

My Department is now consulting with relevant professional representative and advocacy groups on the report as an essential input into its preparation of a detailed response to the recommendations. These groups are, the Irish College of General Practitioners; An Bord Altranais; the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science; the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of the RCPI; the faculty of pathology of the RCPI; the women's health council and the Irish Cancer Society.

This year additional revenue funding of €1.1 million is being allocated to the Irish cervical screening programme for developments in quality assurance, training and more effective testing.