Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:67 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health the current policy pursued by his Department in relation to cervical cancer. [19525/96]
Written Answers. - Cervical Cancer.
Limerick East): At present an opportunistic cervical screening service is available to all women through their general practitioner, family planning clinics, maternity hospitals and special clinics organised by health boards. There is no charge for the laboratory test, provided it is carried out in a publicly funded laboratory, but women must pay for the taking of the smear itself. However, under the general medical services, women having a smear for diagnostic purposes are entitled to free services from their general practitioner.
An expert group has reviewed all of the aspects of cervical screening and made recommendations on how the present system could be improved. One of its recommendations called for the introduction of an organised national screening programme. The report forms a major component of a national cancer strategy, which deals with cancer services, which I have submitted to other Government Departments for their views. When these views have been received, I intend to forward the cancer strategy to Government for its consideration.
Following Government decisions regarding the national cancer strategy, I expect to be in a position to work on the implementation of the expert group's report in order to make the present cervical screening system more efficient and effective.
Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:68 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health the number of women, by health board region, diagnosed with cervical cancer in each of the years from 1990 to 1996. [19526/96]
Limerick East): The National Cancer Registry was established in July 1991 with the objective of having a comprehensive cancer registration system for the entire country in place by 1994 and therefore that is the first year for which such data is available. Prior to 1994, it is not possible to ascertain the numbers diagnosed with specific types of cancer. The data from the National Cancer Registry are being prepared and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.