Vol. 550 No. 2
271 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 226 of 26 February 2002, the progress made towards a south east regional cervical screening programme in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7675/02]
Under the national health strategy, a commitment has been given to the full extension of the cervical screening programme. The process of planning and organising the national programme is a major undertaking with significant logistical and resource implications which requires careful consideration.
Following an examination by my Department and the chief executive officers of the health boards, a task force was established, and commenced work in December 2001, to determine the feasibility, implications and timescale of the roll out of the national programme. The task force's approach is to carry out an audit of facilities, cytology and histology laboratories and colposcopy clinics, and to identify gaps and resources needed to meet roll-out requirements in line with quality assurance standards. The experience gained from phase one will also assist in the determination of the feasibility, implications and timescale of the roll-out. It is expected that the task force will be in a position to report by mid-2002.
