Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2019
414. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if a copy of the advice given to him recommending the move to offer additional out of cycle smear tests following the CervicalCheck scandal by the chief medical officer will be provided. [8202/19]
View answerOn 28 April 2018, I made the decision to provide for a free out of cycle smear test for any woman who was concerned, if her GP considered she should have a further test as part of her reassurance.
The decision was made in consultation with senior officials, including the Chief Medical Officer, whose advice in this regard was reflected in the press statement issued on the 28 April which said that, “for any woman who has had a CervicalCheck smear test and where her GP feels she should have a further test as part of her reassurance, the Minister has asked CervicalCheck to make the necessary arrangements, including payment provision. These arrangements will be confirmed next week."
A fee to provide for this free repeat smear was subsequently agreed with the Irish Medical Organisation.
