Probe into returned smear test letters

THE National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) has launched an investigation into why more than 40,000 letters to women entitled to a free smear test were returned unopened.

The NCSS investigation comes following claims by Sinn Féin TD Aengus O Snodaigh on Sunday that some 40,000 letters had been returned unopened.

The Sinn Féin TD said questions needed to be answered in terms of how the database used by the NCSS was set up and how it was being monitored.