Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 714: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the measures being taken for cervical cancer screening throughout the country; the quality of the testing involved; the length of time involved in providing results to tests carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1464/07]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 720: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to reports that there have been long delays in getting the results of cervical smear tests; if she will issue benchmarks to the Health Service Executive in respect of the performance of this screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1498/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 714 and 720 together.

An effective national cervical screening programme will result in a substantial reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer. It is my objective to have such a programme rolled out, beginning late this year, based on an affordable model. For that purpose, on the 1st January 2007, I established a National Cancer Screening Service which amalgamates BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening. I have allocated additional funding of €5m for 2007 to the Service to commence roll out of the Cervical Screening Programme. The total allocation to the new Service is €33m, this is a 71% increase in the 2006 allocation to the Programmes. 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. 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, colposcopy and treatment services will be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service.

I am aware of reports of delays in obtaining results of cervical smears. These delays have not arisen under the Irish Cervical Screening Programme but relate to smears referred by General Practitioners to hospital laboratories, 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 arrange to have the matter in question examined and to respond directly to the Deputies.