Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the views on the roll out of cervical cancer screening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12081/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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It is my objective to have an effective national cervical screening programme rolled out, beginning late this year. This will result in a substantial reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer. For that purpose, on 1 January 2007, I established a National Cancer Screening Service which amalgamates BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme (ICSP). The total allocation to the new Service is €33m; this is a 71% increase on the 2006 allocation to the Programmes. This includes additional funding of €5m for 2007 to the Service to commence roll out of the ICSP by the end of the year.

The National Cancer Screening Service is planning 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 national service.