697. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health the recommendations of the Scally Report that have been fully implemented, are currently being implemented, or are yet to begin implementation. [50776/26]

698. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health her plans to increase public confidence in CervicalCheck. [50777/26]

699. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Health the reason the CervicalCheck centre is not working at capacity; and her plans for future staffing and resources. [50778/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 697, 698 and 699 together.

As Minister for Health, I am committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.

All actions arising from the 58 recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry into CervicalCheck are completed and integrated into standard programmes and governance structures. The final progress review i.e. Review of the Implementation of Recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck Screening Programme (2022)(www.assets.gov.ie/static/documents/b4a27a68-review-of-the-implementation-of-recommendations-of-the-scoping-inquiry-into-t.pdf) stated that: “women can have confidence in and should take full advantage of the cervical screening programme. It has saved many women's lives and will continue to do so.”

A key element of the Government's commitment to enhancing CervicalCheck services has been the establishment of the National Cervical Screening Laboratory (NCSL), which was allocated funding of over €20m. Currently, the NCSL processes approximately 25% of CervicalCheck screening samples taken in primary care, representing a significant increase from 13.5% in 2024. Over time, it will become the main provider and a centre of excellence for screening, education and research.

The HSE has indicated that staffing expansion is planned, subject to approval and funding, to support its continued phased growth and development. Any funding requirements will be considered in the context of the budgetary processes.

A second laboratory will continue to be key to the delivery of a quality-assured national population screening programme. This approach ensures the necessary safeguards and is endorsed by the Review of the Implementation of Recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck Screening Programme (2022). In that final report, it was noted that an “excellent system of Quality Assurance for laboratories” is now in place. It also states that “it will be essential to have at least two providers of laboratory services” to ensure continuity of service and mitigate risks from having just one provider.

CervicalCheck provides free primary HPV cervical screening for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 29 every three years, and every five years for those aged 30 to 65. The programme is operating effectively, and screening invitations are issued in line with scheduled intervals. Participation rates remain high, with uptake consistently above 75%, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) target of 70% as part of its global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer. Building on this progress, CervicalCheck is now working towards an ambitious target of 80% coverage. Ireland was among the first countries to commit to the WHO’s global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer (www2.healthservice.hse.ie/organisation/nss/cervical-cancer-elimination/). Ireland is on track to reach this target by 2040, demonstrating leadership in this area. We are in a strong position to meet the global targets, reflecting the strong progress achieved in HPV vaccination, cervical screening and cancer treatment services. Ensuring public confidence in these services, and that women’s voices inform policy development and implementation, is embedded in the implementation of Ireland’s Roadmap for Cervical Cancer Elimination. This work is underpinned by extensive stakeholder engagement, particularly with patients and advocacy groups, ensuring that lived experience is central to policy development and service reform.

The National Screening Service continues to undertake significant work with communities to build trust, address barriers to access and support informed participation in screening (www2.healthservice.hse.ie/organisation/nss/equity-in-screening/), which contributes to improved awareness and increased participation, particularly among underserved populations.

Cervical screening is for people without symptoms, any women experiencing symptoms, regardless of age, should contact their GP for appropriate follow-up.