Harney denies responsibility for cervical screening delay

Minister for Health Mary Harney has denied responsibility for the delay in the rollout of a proposed national screening programme for cervical cancer.

The scheme was due to begin next January, but GPs say it will not be in operation before April of next year.

Opposition parties say it is another example of the Government's failure to deliver adequate cancer care.

However, Ms Harney insisted this morning that the group responsible for the rollout of the screening programme was independent from the Government and the HSE.

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, promised today that the Government would work "to the very best of our ability" to ensure that cancer services are improved across the country.

He was reacting to questions about the cancer misdiagnosis scandal at Portlaoise Hospital.