Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 196: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a nationwide cervical cancer screening programme will be in operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31359/05]

Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 197: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the efforts being made to roll out a nationwide cervical cancer screening service on a systematic call or recall programme; the timescale involved; and if she will make a statement on the concept of early detection being better than surgery. [31363/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.

National population based screening programmes for cancer are only considered where clear evidence exists of the benefit to the whole population to be screened. Population based screening programmes for cervical screening have demonstrated their efficacy internationally. A pilot cervical screening programme commenced in October 2000 and is available to eligible women resident in the HSE mid-western region. 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 the cervical screening programme in line with international best practice.

An international expert examined the feasibility and implications of a national roll out of a cervical screening programme. The examination included an evaluation of the current pilot programme, quality assurance, laboratory capacity and organisation and the establishment of national governance arrangements. 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 timeliness.