asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to introduce a free cytological service for early detection of cervical cancer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Cytological Service.
84.
The Consultative Council on the General Hospital Services included in their report a recommendation that a cytological service should be organised on a regional basis and that, in addition, there should be a national cytology centre and committee to co-ordinate the work of the regional centres. The question of implementing these recommendations is at present under examination. As part of this examination, my Department has invited a group of pathologists to consider, and advise on, the steps which are necessary to bring about the rationalisation and improvement of the hospital pathology, including cytology, services in Dublin. As I indicated in reply to a Parliamentary question some months ago, this service is at present being provided in a number of hospitals and I am anxious that a much wider coverage should be provided as soon as practicable.
As regards the provision of a service free of charge, I intend to provide for this in forthcoming legislation. I should point out, however, that the existing service is given free of charge to persons in the lower income group and the charge for those in the middle income group is 2s 6d.
Would the Minister not agree that this is not introduced due to the fact that there are not cytologists available to the local authorities? The cytologists would be available if the Minister paid them proper remuneration. Furthermore, if this cytology service is at present provided in certain hospitals, is it provided free beyond the lower income group and, if not, why not, as this is a very essential service?
As I said, the original intention was to start a national service based on Saint Kevin's Hospital. A number of competitions were organised by the Local Appointments Commission with a view to getting a suitable candidate who would be prepared to accept the position of national cytologist but the Commission were not satisfied with any of the applications. Accordingly, it was decided to operate the scheme on a regional basis.
Despite what the Minister said to the effect that there were no replies from suitably qualified candidates for the examination, there are cytologists who would be available if the proper remuneration were paid.
Maybe so.