asked the Minister for Health what further developments have taken place in the proposed mass screening programme for the detection of cancer of the cervix.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cancer Mass Screening Programme.
64.
Mr. O'Malley
A mass screening service for the detection of pre-invasive cancer of the cervix is to be based at St. Kevin's Hospital, Dublin. The Local Appointments Commission held a competition last summer for the appointment of a cytologist for this service, but no suitably qualified candidate came forward. A further competition is being arranged, for which the closing date is 9th June, and the Dublin Health Authority is arranging for the training of the technicians who will be required.
In the meantime, limited services are operated by two of the Dublin maternity hospitals and at the Regional Hospital, Galway.
Would the Minister consider recommending the training of cytologists? Secondly, would he state if this limited operation by the maternity hospitals comes under the Health Act?
Mr. O'Malley
As I said, a competition is being held in June. That should answer the first part of the Deputy's question. The last time there were not any suitable candidates. At present a senior technician employed by the Health Authority has been on a special course in cytology in London since 3rd May, 1965.
Can the Minister say what "suitable candidates" meant? Did they have to have Irish? Was that the reason they were turned down?