David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 358: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the average time it takes CUH gynaecological cytology service to process a smear test in 2006; the details of same for each year since the year 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32110/06]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 359: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of smear tests and diagnostic samples respectively processed by the CUH gynaecological cytology service in 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006; the average amount processed per week in 2006; the number of tests awaiting results; the reason for the backlog, if one exists; the action which is being taken to speed up the results process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32111/06]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 360: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of locations in the Health Service Executive southern region which offer a gynaecological cytology service; if these services are public or private; the average waiting times for public and private test results respectively in each location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32112/06]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 361: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of locations in all the Health Service Executive regions which offer a gynaecological cytology service; if these services are public or private; the average waiting times for public and private test results respectively in each location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32113/06]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 363: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the targets in each Health Service Executive area regarding the length of time it takes to process smear test results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32115/06]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 364: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the current gynaecological cytology service for women in the Health Service Executive southern area; her views on the way in which services could be improved; the action she intends to take to improve the service, in particular in relation to test result waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32116/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 358 to 361, inclusive, 363 and 364 together.

The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are 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.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 362: To ask the Minister for Health and Children further to the roll-out of the national cervical screening programme, the way in which the Health Service Executive intends to cater for additional demand for test results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32114/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I will shortly establish a National Cancer Screening Agency 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. This includes an acceptable turn around time for test results. My Department understands that the current annual volume of testing of cervical smears is similar to the volume required for a national programme.

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.