Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
192 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to expand the pilot cervical screening programme which has operated in Clare since 2000; the number of County Clare based women who have availed of such screening for each of the years since then; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25757/06]
View answerI wish to see the Irish Cervical Screening Programme (ICSP) rolled out nationally by 2008, based on an affordable model and in line with international best practice. Significant preparatory work is well under way involving the introduction of new and improved cervical tests, improved quality assurance training and the preparation of a national population register. An additional €9m is available to the Executive for cancer services development in 2006, including the continuation of preparations for the roll out.
As part of my response to the Strategy for Cancer Control, I recently announced my intention to establish a National Cancer Screening Board to amalgamate BreastCheck and the ICSP to deliver both programmes nationally. This will maximise the expertise in both programmes, ensure improved efficiency and develop a single governance model for cancer screening. The plan is to have cervical screening managed as a national call/recall programme via effective governance structures that provide overall leadership and direction, in terms of quality assurance, accountability and value for money. All elements of the programme, call/recall, smear taking, laboratories and treatment services must be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated service.
The Deputy's question in relation to the number of Clare based women who have availed of cervical screening for each year since 2000 relates to the management and delivery of health and personal, social services, which are currently the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
193 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the BreastCheck screening programme will be expanded to County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25758/06]
View answer199 Mr. McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when BreastCheck will be made available to patients from Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25820/06]
View answer212 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the roll-out of BreastCheck and appropriate facilities for women in the west of Ireland; when this facility will be operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25958/06]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 193, 199 and 212 together.
I have met with representatives of BreastCheck and they are fully aware of my wish to have a quality assured programme rolled out to the remaining regions in the country as quickly as possible. For this to happen, essential elements of the roll out must be in place including adequate staffing, effective training and quality assurance programmes. I have made additional revenue funding of €2.3m available to BreastCheck to meet the additional costs of roll out. I have also approved an additional 69 posts.
BreastCheck recently interviewed for Clinical Directors for the Southern and Western regions and appointments have been made; both will take up their positions later this year. Both are currently undergoing additional training in relation to their roles as Clinical Director. BreastCheck will begin recruiting Consultant Radiologists, Consultant Surgeons and Consultant Histopathologists for both centres this week.
BreastCheck also requires considerable capital investment in the construction of two new clinical units and in the provision of five additional mobile units and state of the art digital equipment. I have made available an additional €21m capital funding to BreastCheck for this purpose.
BreastCheck is in the process of shortlisting applicants to construct its two new clinical units at the South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital, Cork and University College Hospital Galway. BreastCheck is confident that the target date of next year for the commencement of roll out to the Southern and Western regions will be met.
