David Cullinane
Question:1077. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of repatriating CervicalCheck screening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21340/20]
View answerTuesday, 8 September 2020
Questions (1077)
Written answers
The Health Service Executive (HSE) made a strategic decision in 2018 to develop a National Cervical Screening Laboratory, in conjunction with the Coombe Woman and Infants University Hospital. The HSE established a joint project with the Coombe, and a project team is in place to assist in the delivery of this project. The capital cost of building a National Cervical Screening Laboratory is estimated to be in the region of €15 – 20 million. Allowances have been made in the HSE capital plan for this expenditure.
An exercise for developing the operational costs for the laboratory, which would have the capacity to undertake all cervical screening services is under way. The exercise will look at staffing, logistical and equipment costs.
A long-term strategy will be developed which will examine issues of laboratory resilience to ensure a sustainable and safe space for the future of the cervical screening programme in Ireland.
BreastCheck, BowelScreen and Diabetic RetinaScreen access services in Ireland and therefore there are no repatriating costs.