Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 697: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason the cervical screening service has been removed from County Mayo; when will this service resume in County Mayo; and a breakdown of the counties that currently have the cervical screening service. [28956/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I wish to see the Irish Cervical Screening Programme (ICSP) rolled out nationally by 2008, based on an affordable model and in line with international best practice. Significant preparatory work is well underway 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.

Pending the national roll-out of the ICSP, the provision of a testing service in Co. Mayo for cervical cancer is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matters raised.