Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 169: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of the national cervical cancer treatment programme; when it is intended to provide the service on a nationwide basis; the areas that it presently operates in; the numbers of staff associated with the programme; the way in which persons can avail of the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25566/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the Irish Cervical Screening Programme (ICSP), cervical screening is currently offered, free of charge, to approximately 74,000 women in the 25 to 60 age group, at five year intervals, in the HSE Mid-Western Region. I wish to see the ICSP rolled out nationally by 2008, based on an affordable model and in line with international best practice. Significant preparatory work is well under way involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation of a national population register. An additional €9m is available to the Executive for cancer services development in 2006, including the continuation of preparations for the roll out.

As part of my response to the Strategy for Cancer Control, I recently announced my intention to establish a National Cancer Screening Board to amalgamate BreastCheck and the ICSP to deliver both programmes nationally. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening. The plan is to have cervical screening managed as a national call/recall programme via effective governance structures that provide overall leadership and direction, in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money. All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories and treatment services must be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service.

The Deputy's questions in relation to the number of staff associated with the programme and the way in which persons can avail of the service relate to the management and delivery of health and personal, social services, which are currently 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 respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matters raised.