Vol. 488 No. 2
58 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Health and Children when the national cervical screening programme will commence in the Mid-Western Health Board; the length of time it will take to extend the programme to other health board areas; if he will provide screening free of charge to all general medical services patients in the interim period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5794/98]
The cervical screening programme will first be piloted in the Mid-Western Health Board to identify and resolve any difficulties which may become apparent. Screening will commence later this year when the population register has been established and the necessary systems put in place. It is expected that following two years experience of the pilot programme the introduction of the national cervical screening programme will commence. Cervical screening will be provided free of charge to women involved in the pilot scheme and the question of providing cervical screening free of charge to women with medical cards in the relevant age category in the rest of the country is under consideration within the Department. Screening will be provided free of charge to all women on the introduction of the national programme.
