Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 433: 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. [2150/06]

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 and carried out an evaluation on 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 stakeholders. The consultative process is completed and there is considerable support for the programme roll-out and the need for improved organisation, quality assurance and governance arrangements to provide for it nationally. I made available an additional €9 million 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, I understand, will involve improvements in quality assurance, new technology, training and the creation of a national population register.