Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 187: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if medical card holders will have cervical smears for no charge; and if she will review the current practise where general practitioners now charge medical card holders for such smears. [19131/05]

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 207: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if cervical screening is free of charge for women in possession of a medical card; if this is uniform in each Health Service Executive area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19263/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 207 together.

Cervical smear testing is not currently provided by GPs or family planning clinics under the scheme for medical card holders. However, where cervical smears form part of recognised protocols for the ongoing treatment of individual patient illnesses, they should be provided free of charge to eligible women under the GMS scheme. Any necessary follow-up treatment is available to all women, including medical card holders, within the public hospital system.

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.