Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 89: 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. [11483/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am fully committed to the national roll out of a cervical screening programme in line with international best practice. The Department of Health and Children has asked the Health Service Executive to prepare a detailed implementation plan for a national programme. It is planned that cervical screening will be managed under a national call or recall programme with effective governance structures which will provide overall leadership and direction in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money.

The programme's elements — call or recall, smear taking, laboratories and treatment services — must be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service. Significant preparatory work is under way involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation of a national population register. This year, the Department has made an additional €9 million available to the HSE for cancer services development, including the continuation of preparations for the roll out. The programme should be rolled out in the primary care setting, subject to affordable and acceptable arrangements being agreed.

A review of the contractual arrangements for the provision by general practitioners of publicly funded primary care services is being conducted under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. I have requested that the GP elements of a national cervical screening programme be considered at these discussions. Any remuneration arrangements which are agreed must be capable of delivering a high uptake among women. Payments must be primarily based on reaching acceptable targets.

I am convinced that we must put in place tailored initiatives to encourage take-up among disadvantaged and difficult to reach groups. I would like the programme to be rolled out as quickly as possible but only when the essential infrastructure, organisation and services which are quality assured and meet international standards are in place.