Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 2

Written Answers. - Cervical Smear Testing.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

38 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will have arrangements made to include cervical smear testing in the proceedings covered by the GMS in view of the importance of early detection of cervical cancer and until such time as there is a national organised screening programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2143/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The General Medical Services — GMS — scheme provides a treatment and curative service for eligible persons, i.e., medical card holders. The position is that cervical smear testing is available under the GMS scheme where it is required in the context of an individual patient's medical examination. However, cervical smear testing is not currently provided by GPs under the GMS as a screening service for medical card holders.

The report of the Department of Health cervical screening committee recommended a national cervical screening programme for women aged 25-60 years at five year intervals. This programme will first be piloted in the Mid-Western Health Board to identify and resolve any difficulties which may become apparent. Cervical screening will be provided free of charge to women involved in the pilot scheme and to all women on the introduction of the national screening programme. However, pending the introduction of the national programme, the question of providing cervical screening as part of GMS scheme for women with medical cards in the relevant age category is currently under consideration within the Department.