Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 112: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the delay in rolling out a national cervical cancer screening programme which was promised to commence in 2005; the cost of introducing the programme; and when it will commence. [14608/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The former 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 current pilot programme in the mid-western area, quality assurance, laboratory capacity and organisation and the establishment of national governance arrangements. The expert's report was published on 14 December 2004.

I am committed to the national rollout of a cervical screening programme in line with international best practice. International evidence demonstrates the proven efficacy of programmes that are effectively managed and meet quality assurance standards. Careful planning and consultation with relevant professional and advocacy stakeholders is required before I make definite policy decisions on a national rollout.

My Department is now consulting the Irish College of General Practitioners, An Bord Altranais, the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science, the institute of obstetricians and gynaecologists of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the faculty of pathology of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the Women's Health Council and the Irish Cancer Society. The consultation with these key stakeholders is well advanced and will be completed in a matter of weeks. In addition, my Department allocated a further €1.1 million to the programme on an on-going basis to complete the transition of the remaining laboratories to new and more effective testing and to support the development of quality assurance and training programmes. These are essential preparatory elements in a national roll out.