John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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329. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in files being released for persons affected by the cervical smear test scandal to enable a review of their cytology slides. [22032/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Last week I established an Independent Clinical Expert Review Panel led by The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, with expert input from the British Society of Colposcopists and Cervical Pathologists. All women who have had a previous smear(s) prior to their diagnosis of cervical cancer since September 2008 will be included in the expert review process who will review their screening, cytological and clinical histories and undertake a re-examination of their cytology test.

Furthermore, I have established a Scoping Inquiry, led by Dr Gabriel Scally. The Scoping Inquiry, which has broad terms of reference, will examine all aspects of the CervicalCheck programme and will present a report to the Minister by the end of June setting out issues and recommendations to inform the next steps to be taken.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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331. To ask the Minister for Health if all women will receive free cervical smear check screenings from general practitioners in view of the latest controversy in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22034/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE have advised that any woman who has received a clear CervicalCheck smear test result previously should proceed with their next scheduled test as normal.

With a view to reassuring women about the safety of the CervicalCheck programme, I have arranged that any woman who has 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.