Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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469. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43792/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, I have also received the attached correspondence and I expect that a reply will issue from my office in the coming days.

In relation to the issue of turnaround time for smear tests, the HSE advises that CervicalCheck laboratory activity remains significantly above normal levels. This is a result both of out-of-cycle smears, and also increased uptake generally. This has impacted turnaround times for results of smear tests.  The HSE also advises 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. This is a priority concern for my Department and the HSE.  The recent agreements reached with the contracted labs include arrangements to address the backlog in testing. 

It is important to emphasise that smear tests are a screening and not a diagnostic process, and if any women is concerned or is experiencing any symptoms, she should consult with her GP.

In addition to MedLab Pathology Laboratory, services for CervicalCheck are also provided by Quest Diagnostics in the USA and the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital in Dublin. Under the terms of their contract with CervicalCheck, MedLab can redirect tests to other laboratories within their group at times when they are experiencing increased demand. This includes The Doctors' Laboratory in London (TDL).

As part of his Scoping Inquiry into CervicalCheck, Dr Gabriel Scally visited all laboratories which currently provide services for CervicalCheck, including TDL. His report was published on the website of my Department on 12 September. Dr Scally has stated that he is satisfied with the quality management processes in the current laboratory sites and found no reason, on quality grounds, why the existing contracts for laboratory services should not continue until the new HPV testing regime has been introduced. This provides very welcome reassurance for women in Ireland.

I would like to assure the Deputy that I place a very high priority on women's health. I am committed to returning to Government within three months, as recommended by Dr Scally, with a full plan for the implementation of his recommendations. Development of this plan is underway, overseen by the CervicalCheck Steering Committee, which I established in June.