Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Sep 1996

Vol. 469 No. 2

Written Answers. - Cervical Smear Tests.

Máirín Quill

Question:

76 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that women have to wait for up to 12 weeks to receive the results of smear tests being carried out at St. Luke's hospital, Dublin; the plans, if any, he has to speed up the process involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17126/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I am aware that there is a delay in the reporting of cervical smear tests by St. Luke's hospital, due to the increase in the number of smears being directed to St. Luke's.

My Department is involved in discussions with the various agencies involved in cervical screening with a view to eliminating the delay in reporting test results.