Brian O'Shea
Ceist:226 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals to introduce an appropriate universal cervical smear testing scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6438/02]
Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.
I am pleased to report that phase one of the national cervical screening programme was launched in the Mid-Western Health Board on 16 October 2000. Under the programme, cervical screening is being offered to approximately 67,000 women, free of charge, at five year intervals in the Mid-Western Health Board area. An expert advisory group on cervical screening is currently overseeing the implementation of phase one.
Under the national health strategy a commitment has been given to the full extension of the cervical screening programme to the rest of the country. This will be a major undertaking with logistical and significant resource implications, which requires careful planning and consideration. The chief executive officers of the health boards are currently involved in an examination of the feasibility and implications of extending the programme to the rest of the country. The importance of achieving a national cervical screening programme, which is underpinned by quality assurance and best practice, is a key objective. The experience gained from phase one will facilitate the process of planning and organising the roll out of this programme.