Nora Owen
Question:454 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will arrange to have HPT testing included in all smear tests for women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21304/01]
Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.
Phase One of the National Cervical Screening Programme was launched in Limerick on 16 October 2000. Under Phase One, cervical screening will be offered to approximately 67,000 women in the 25 – 60 age group, free of charge, at five-yearly intervals, in the Mid-Western Health Board area.
A National Expert Group on Cervical Screening is currently overseeing the implementation of phase one. The group has considered the issue of HPV testing and has recommended that such testing be carried out on selected women. However, it is considered that the current international evidence is not sufficient to enable a decision to be made on the matter at this stage. Research into this matter is ongoing.
I should also point out that my Department has received a proposal for a pilot study aimed at assessing the prevalence of HPV testing in the Irish population, which is currently being considered.