Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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176. To ask the Minister for Health the process that is used to inform persons who have been referred for further examination by the CervicalCheck scheme of the results of the tests; the reason they would have to wait for up to three months for those results; the number of persons who have had further examination and have been given further tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42673/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Following a Government decision on 1 May, I asked CervicalCheck to make the necessary arrangements to provide that any woman who has had a CervicalCheck smear test, and whose GP considers that they should have a further test, to access such a further test without charge. CervicalCheck laboratory activity has thus been significantly above normal levels. This is a result both of out-of-cycle smears and increased uptake generally. This has impacted turnaround times for results of smear tests.

The HSE has advised that every effort is being made to ensure that tests are processed as quickly as possible, having regard to the high standards required for testing.

In relation to the specific queries made, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.