I propose to take Questions Nos. 40, 58, 70 and 90 together.
The number of smear tests carried out nationally is approximately 230,000 annually and represents and increase of almost 20% in recent years. In order to meet this increased demand, additional cumulative funding of €11 million has been provided by my Department since 2002 to enhance the laboratory and colposcopy services. This funding has enabled the laboratories to employ additional personnel, purchase new equipment and introduce new technology and thereby increase the volume of activity. In addition, a number of hospitals have undertaken initiatives such as contracting out of smear test analysis to external laboratories. These initiatives have resulted in a considerable reduction in waiting times in laboratories throughout the country.
A pilot cervical screening programme commenced in October 2000 and is available to eligible women resident in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary North. Under the programme, cervical screening is being offered, free of charge, to approximately 74,000 women in the 25 to 60 age group, at five year intervals.
The Health Board Executive, HeBE, commissioned an international expert in cervical screening to examine the feasibility and implications of a national roll out of a cervical screening programme. The examination included an evaluation of the pilot programme, quality assurance, laboratory capacity and organisation and the establishment of national governance arrangements. The expert's report was submitted to my Department on 12 October 2004 for consideration. My Department is now consulting with relevant professional representative and advocacy groups on the report as an essential input into its preparation of a detailed response to the recommendations.
Any woman who is concerned about cervical cancer should contact her general practitioner. Appropriate treatment for women diagnosed with cervical cancer is available at major hospitals throughout the country.