Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 48: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the recent report produced by the Health Board Executive on behalf of the chief executive officers of health boards recommending the introduction of a national cervical screening programme; if it is intended to provide such a programme; the proposed timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4232/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Board Executive commissioned an international expert in cervical screening to examine the feasibility and implications of a national roll out of a cervical screening programme. The examination included an evaluation of the pilot programme, quality assurance, laboratory capacity and organisation and the establishment of national governance arrangements. The expert's report was published by the executive on 14 December 2004.

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.

Following the consultation process, my Department will examine options for a national cervical screening programme.