Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
751. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the full resumption of BreastCheck and cervical smear tests for those in need; and if his attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the cessation of these assessments. [6359/20]
View answerIn line with public health advice, the National Screening Service’s population-based screening programmes BreastCheck, CervicalCheck, BowelScreen and Diabetic RetinaScreen were paused due to the situation with COVID-19.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the National Screening Service has monitored the feasibility of restarting the four programmes, and assessing the associated risks. They are developing separate roadmaps for the recommencement of the four programmes. The programmes will restart as part of the HSE’s overall plan to resume its paused health services as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
