Ahern noncommittal on cervical screening plan

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern admitted yesterday that he was unable to say when the Government will be able to roll out a national cervical screening programme.

Earlier this month, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) urged the Government to stop dithering about rolling the service out and start saving the lives of young women with young families.

Ireland has one of the highest death rates in the world from cervical cancer and the ICS is leading a health and trade union lobby in calling for the immediate introduction of a countrywide scheme.