Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 195: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the campaign by the Irish Cancer Society for the provision of free cervical screening for women aged 25 and over; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3008/06]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 212: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the fact that despite Ireland having one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in Europe that there is no national screening programme; her plans for a free nationwide cervical cancer screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3021/06]

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 245: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the Irish cervical screening programme will be rolled out nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3009/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 195, 212 and 245 together.

Incidence and mortality rates for cervical cancer in Ireland are in the mid-range of rates observed across Europe. Data supplied by the national cancer registry for the period 1994 to 2002 shows that the average annual incidence of cervical cancer in this country was 170 and the average annual number of deaths from the disease was 80.

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 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 support a national roll-out.

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. I will meet the Irish Cancer Society tomorrow to discuss, inter alia, a national cervical screening programme.