Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 143: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in the provision of a national cervical screening programme; the proposed timescale for the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16990/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am committed to the national roll-out 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 in advance of a national roll out. 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.

My Department is now consulting with 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, the Irish Cancer Society and the Dublin Well Woman Centre. Consultation with these key stakeholders is well advanced and will be completed shortly.