Mary Upton
Question:131 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is intended to have the national cervical cancer screening scheme available on a national basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18068/02]
Adjournment Debate. - Cancer Screening Programme.
I am pleased to report that phase one of the national cervical screening programme was launched in the Mid-Western Health Board on 16 October 2000. Under the programme, cervical screening is being offered to approximately 67,000 women, free of charge, at five year intervals in the Mid-Western Health Board area. An expert advisory group on cervical screening is currently overseeing the implementation of phase one.
Under the national health strategy, a commitment has been given to the full extension of the programme to the rest of the country. The experience gained from phase one of the national programme in the Mid-Western Health Board area should be of assistance in the context of implementing this commitment. The process of planning and organising the national programme is, of course, a major undertaking with significant logistical and resource implications that requires careful consideration. Accordingly, following discussions with my Department on the matter, the chief executive officers of the health boards initiated an examination of the feasibility and implications of a roll out of the national programme. I understand that the chief executive officers will be reporting on the outcome of the examination soon.