Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 169: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the national cervical cancer screening service will be instituted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23488/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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A pilot cervical screening programme commenced in October 2000 and is available to eligible women resident in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary North. Under the programme, cervical screening is being offered, free of charge, to approximately 74,000 women in these three counties in the 25 to 60 age group, at five year intervals. I am committed to the national roll out of a cervical screening programme in line with international best practice. Careful planning and consultation with relevant professional and advocacy stakeholders is required in advance of a national roll out.