Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 April 2008
215 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the situation where at least 60% of cervical smear tests carried out at Health Service Executive hospitals will be sent abroad once a tender process for cytology screening services is complete. [14201/08]
View answer227 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on a situation where ten laboratories currently providing diagnostic gynaecological cytology services are disqualified for inclusion under the terms of the national cervical screening programme in view of the fact that they do not fulfil the necessary criteria, particularly the criteria to have full accreditation and that, as a result, tests will have to be sent abroad; and if she will confirm that 39,000 tests were sent to a US based laboratory in 2007 for processing due to excessive waiting times here. [14227/08]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 227 together.
The rollout of a national cervical screening programme is the most efficient population approach to preventing and controlling cervical cancer. The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) is planning to roll out such a programme on a national basis around the middle of this year. Women aged 25 to 44 years old will be screened every 3 years; women aged 45 to 60 will be screened every 5 years. The service will be available free of charge to eligible women everywhere in the country. Approximately 230,000 women will be screened annually, assuming an 80% take up by eligible women. All elements of the programme — call/recall, smear taking, laboratories, colposcopy and treatment services will be quality assured, organised and managed to deliver a single integrated national service.
Additional revenue funding of €5.0m was allocated to the NCSS in 2007 for the roll-out of the programme and an additional €15.0m has been allocated in 2008. An additional 30 posts have been approved to facilitate integration and roll-out of the programme.
The Deputy's specific questions in relation to the tender process and criteria for same under the national cervical screening programme are the responsibility of the National Cancer Screening Service. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the Service to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matters raised.
The Deputy's specific question in relation to the number of smear tests sent abroad in 2007 is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in this regard.
