Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 961: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the national cervical screening programme will be rolled out to the women of County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3129/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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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. The total allocation to the new Service is €33m, a 71% increase in the 2006 funding levels for the Programmes. This includes funding of €5m to commence roll out of the Cervical Screening Programme. 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.

In relation to the roll out to specific counties, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Screening Service to respond directly to the Deputy.