Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 9

Written Answers. - National Cervical Screening Programme.

Mary Harney

Question:

55 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health when the necessary funding will be provided for the establishment of a national age/sex register, which is essential for the provision of effective screening services, such as cervical smear screening.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

109 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has for the introduction of a national cervical screening programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

A Working Party was established in 1988 to review the cervical smear testing service. This group produce a very constructive interim report. A commitment was given in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress that the Working Group on Cervical Screening would be reconvened. The first meeting of the reconvened group took place on Friday 27 November 1992 with the following terms of reference:

1. To review the implementation of the recommendations of the Interim Report of the Working Party on Cervical Screening.

2. To review the general efficacy and cost effectiveness of the operation of the present systems and

3. To consider what further cost effective improvements can be made.

The Working Group is chaired by the Chief Medical Officer of my Department and includes experts from various fields. The group expects to finish its report and to present its recommendations to me early next year. I understand that the group is looking at all aspects of the cervical screening service including the need for an age/sex register.

I look forward to receiving their report.