Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent)
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416. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address a matter relating to a person (details supplied). [22534/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Any woman who has previously had a CervicalCheck smear test, and who following consultation with her GP determines that she wishes to have a further test, may do so without charge. An agreement was reached between the HSE and GPs on the reimbursement arrangements that will apply in such cases.

Approximately 50% of smear tests are allocated to laboratories in Ireland for analysis. This is done to a large extent on a geographic basis.

I have been advised by the HSE that there is no evidence that the clinical and technical aspects of the programme have performed outside or below international standards or the quality guidelines set for the programme. All laboratories currently contracted by CervicalCheck meet the programme’s standards and have ISO accreditation, certified by the relevant national authorities.

Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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417. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address a series of queries further to the cervical screening crisis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22539/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There is no comparable formal audit process in place with either the BreastCheck or BowelScreen programmes.  

In line with its Terms of Reference, the Scoping Inquiry, led by Dr Gabriel Scally, will examine the other screening programmes operated by the National Cancer Screening Service, particularly in relation to quality assurance and clinical audit, open disclosure and governance.