David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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283. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28200/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The introduction of the HPV screening test last year was a significant milestone for our cervical cancer screening programme. This move to HPV cervical screening, which is a more sensitive test and helps identify more people at risk of cervical cancer in the population, means that Ireland joins a small group of countries that employs the best-in-class testing to screen their populations for cervical cancer.

The National Screening Service and CervicalCheck programme have been running a public information campaign on the new HPV test this year. This campaign includes explaining why we now test for the HPV virus first and what follow-on tests some people may need to have. There are a range of resources available on their website, and CervicalCheck also have a Freephone number (1800 45 45 55) which people can contact with any queries they may have or to seek further information.

In relation to the specific concerns raised, while I cannot comment in relation to individual cases, it is important that anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to contact their GP. It is important that the public understands that screening is a population health measure for people who are presumed healthy and do not have symptoms, it is not a diagnostic test. Anyone with concerns about symptoms should always contact their GP who will arrange appropriate follow-up care.

In relation to participation in the CervicalCheck programme, this is voluntary and screening tests are offered to all women and people with a cervix in the target age group of 25 to 65. In general, people aged 25 to 29 are invited every three years; people aged 30 to 65 every five years. Depending on their clinical circumstances some people may be invited or advised to have more frequent tests. Further details about how often anyone should attend for screening is available from CervicalCheck. An individual's clinical care team will be best placed able to advise what type of tests or care they may need based on their individual circumstances.

As this Parliamentary Question primarily relate to operational issues, further details may be provided by the HSE.

However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.