Lisa Chambers
Ceist:294. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health when the HPV screening programme that was due to begin in September 2018 will be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20438/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 May 2019
Ceisteanna (294)
Freagraí scríofa
The introduction of primary HPV screening is in line with developments in cervical screening internationally. Ireland will be among the first countries in the world to make this transition. The HSE has been engaging with other countries who have already made the switch – the Netherlands, and Australia - or who are preparing to do so, to identify learnings for the project across a range of workstreams including reconfiguration of laboratories, procurement, ICT and colposcopy services.
A well organised screening programme, when combined with HPV vaccination for boys and girls, can bring us very close to eliminating cervical cancer. That is this Government’s goal and that is why we are committed to introducing the HPV vaccine for boys and to implementing the recommended improvements in our cervical screening programme.
I have asked the HSE to introduce HPV testing as the primary screening method for the prevention of cervical cancer as soon as possible. Funding to implement the switch to HPV screening, and extend HPV vaccination to boys, has been allocated in Budget 2019.