Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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68. To ask the Minister for Health if he will release or instruct the HSE to release the details requested by numerous members of Dáil Éireann in relation to each of the laboratories that conducted the cervical screening programme, specifically a clear comparison on detection rates and false negative statistics for each laboratory in view of delays with the Scally report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28378/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Scally Inquiry, which the Government established on 08 May 2018, is examining all aspects of CervicalCheck, and all relevant documents within the Department and the HSE. As part of the Terms of Reference of the Inquiry, Dr Scally will examine the tendering, contracting, operation, conflict of interest arrangements, performance information and performance management, accreditation and quality assurance of contracted cytology laboratory services by CervicalCheck from initiation of the programme.

Separately, the International Clinical Expert Review Panel led by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists will review the results of screening tests of all women who have developed cervical cancer who participated in the screening programme since it was established. This will provide independent clinical assurance to women about the timing of their diagnosis and any issues relating to their treatment and outcome. 

These two strands of investigation will establish the facts with regard to the performance of contracted cytology laboratory services, as indeed is required by the very comprehensive terms of reference set for Dr Scally as agreed by a majority of the Opposition. It is important now that we allow these reviews to conclude.