Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 130: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the timescale for a national roll out for cervical cancer screening; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that it is estimated that it will take at least 18 months to set up a national screening programme; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that the State's rate of invasive cervical cancer is one of the highest in Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28810/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am committed to the national roll out of the cervical screening programme in line with international best practice. A pilot cervical screening programme commenced in October 2000 and is available to eligible women resident in counties Limerick, Clare and Tipperary North.

An international expert examined the feasibility and implications of a national roll out of a cervical screening programme. Following the publication of this report my Department undertook a consultative process with relevant professional and advocacy stakeholders. The consultative process is completed and my Department will now discuss options for the roll out of the programme with the Health Service Executive, including indicative timelines.