asked the Minister for Health whether it is proposed to set up in other parts of the country special units for the detection of cervical cancer similar to the unit proposed to be set up in St. Kevin's Hospital, Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Detection of Cervical Cancer.
35.
The immediate aim is to establish the centre at St. Kevin's Hospital and to make the necessary arrangements to ensure that the screening service for cervical cancer will be available as soon as possible to women who are particularly at risk. The screening service is but the first step in the process of detection. The definitive confirmatory tests would involve specialists both in gynaeocology and pathology and would be carried out at the various centres where such specialist services are available. For a population of our size the information at my disposal strongly points to the advantage of providing the preliminary mass screening service in one centre. I have not, however, reached a final decision on this.
Is the Minister satisfied that this matter is being treated with the urgency it deserves?
Mr. O'Malley
Yes.
Even though it has taken more than 12 months to appoint a cytologist?
Mr. O'Malley
I am there only five weeks.
I am not blaming it on the Minister.
The Minister is blaming his predecessor.
Mr. O'Malley
I am not.
Perhaps the Minister for Health would stand up?
Is it not a fact that it has taken more than 12 months to appoint the first cytologist?
Mr. O'Malley
How can we appoint somebody who is not available?