Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 355: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when cervical screening will be rolled out nationally; when quarterly cervical smear clinics will be re-instated for persons living in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1343/06]

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. 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 the establishment of national governance arrangements.

Following the publication of this report my Department undertook a consultative process with relevant professional and advocacy stake holders. The consultative process is complete and there is considerable support for the programme roll out and agreement on the need for improved organisation, quality assurance and governance arrangements to support a national roll-out.

I made an additional €9 million available to the Health Service Executive for cancer services development in 2006, including the continuation of preparations for a national programme. The service plan of the executive provides for such preparation which will involve improvements in quality assurance, new technology, training and the creation of a national population register.

The Deputy's question on cervical smear clinics for persons living in County Roscommon relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 356: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when BreastCheck screening services will be available to women in the west and north west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1344/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The roll-out of the national breast screening programme to the remaining regions in the country is a major priority in the development of cancer services. A design team has been appointed to work on detailed plans for two new clinical units, one at the South Infirmary, Victoria Hospital, Cork and one at University College Hospital, Galway. It is anticipated that, subject to obtaining satisfactory planning approval, the design process, including the preparation of the tender documentation, will be completed by mid-2006, following which construction on both sites can commence.

BreastCheck has advertised for lead consultant radiologists and radiographers for the two new units. The recruitment for other key clinical posts will commence shortly. The exact time lines for the roll-out will depend largely on the success of this recruitment process. BreastCheck is confident that the target date of 2007 for commencement of the roll-out will be met.