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Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, has asked Dr Gabriel Scally to conduct a final progress review of implementation of the recommendations of his Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck screening programme. Dr Scally has agreed it is now timely to conduct a final progress review and is commencing the work this month (January 2022). 

Minister Donnelly said: “Significant progress has been made in implementing Dr Scally’s recommendations since his last progress review report in April 2020. Just six of the 170 actions arising now remain to be completed, and these are all in progress. I believe it is now timely and feasible to proceed with a final progress review, and Dr Scally has confirmed his availability to commence this work in January 2022.” 

The Minister continued: “Through the recommendations from his reports, Dr Scally has already made a considerable contribution to developments in our health system and ensuring Ireland has a robust screening service, which will enable our progress towards the ultimate goal of elimination of cervical cancer. Progressing this final review is in line with our Programme for Government commitments, including the advancement of the women’s health agenda. I’d like to acknowledge Dr Scally’s continued commitment to this important work, and my Department looks forward to engaging with him and key stakeholders in completing this review in 2022.” 

Professor Anne Scott, Chairperson of the CervicalCheck Steering Committee said: “The CervicalCheck Steering Committee welcomes this final progress review by Dr Scally. Significant progress has been made in this area, including through the ongoing work of the Committee during 2021, and we look forward to engaging with Dr Scally in this review.” 

Dr Scally last reported on the implementation of the recommendations of his Scoping Inquiry in April 2020. Given the uncertainty around the COVID-19 situation at the time, it was agreed that a final progress review be undertaken at a suitable future point in the context of overall developments and response to the pandemic.  

ENDS//

Notes to the Editor:

Further information about Dr Scally’s Scoping Inquiry and implementation, including quarterly progress reports published by the Department of Health, are available here.

Further information about the CervicalCheck Steering Committee is available here.