I am aware of the study referred to by the Deputy concerning recent trends in cervical cancer in Britain and Ireland. The study shows that mortality from the disease in Ireland increased by 1.5% annually up to 2001. Data provided by the National Cancer Registry for the number of new cases of invasive cervical cancer for the years 1994 to 2000 show no statistically significant increase.
The number of smear tests carried out annually is approximately 230,000 and represents an increase of almost 20% in recent years. To meet this increased demand, additional cumulative funding of €11 million has been provided by my Department since 2002 to enhance the laboratory and colposcopy services. The funding has enabled the laboratories to employ additional personnel, purchase new equipment and introduce new technology, thereby increasing the volume of activity and improving turnaround times for results.
A pilot cervical screening programme commenced in October 2000 and is available to eligible women resident in Limerick, Clare and north Tipperary. Under the programme, cervical screening is being offered, free of charge, to approximately 74,000 women in the 25 to 60 years age group, at five year intervals.
The Health Board Executive, HeBE, commissioned an international expert in cervical screening to examine the feasibility and implications of a national roll-out of a cervical screening programme. The examination included an evaluation of the pilot programme, quality assurance, laboratory capacity and organisation and the establishment of national governance arrangements. The expert's report was submitted recently to my Department for consideration. We are now consulting with relevant professional representative and advocacy groups on the report as an essential input into the preparation of a detailed response to the recommendations. These groups are the Irish College of General Practitioners, An Bord Altranais, the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science, the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of the RCPI, the Faculty of Pathology of the RCPI, the Women's Health Council and the Irish Cancer Society.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House
I am aware of the benefits of national population based screening programmes. Following the consultation process I have referred to, I will examine options for a national cervical screening programme. Any woman, irrespective of her age or residence, who has concerns about cervical cancer may contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the treatment services in her area. Appropriate treatment for women diagnosed with cervical cancer is available at major hospitals.
