Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 7

Written Answers. - Cervical Cancer Screening.

Bernard Allen

Question:

156 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to set up a structured screening programme for cervical cancer in order to help avoid the situation which exists at present whereby approximately 70 women die of cervical cancer each year in Ireland.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

Cervical screening is available to all women through their general practitioners, family planning clinics, maternity and some other hospitals and special clinics organised by health boards.

I established a working group on cervical screening in 1988. The working group concentrated on the improvement of existing services and there has been a considerable improvement in the reporting of cervical smear tests over the past two years. My Department will continue to monitor the reporting of cervical smear tests to ensure that no undue delay occurs. I am in the process of reconvening the working group to consider what further improvements can be made in this area.

I am, of course, anxious to ensure that cervical screening services are utilised properly by women most at risk from the illness and that these women are encouraged to avail of the services provided. The working group will be asked to examine this matter and to make recommendations in this regard.