Mary White (Fianna Fail)

Since 2006, when I launched A New Approach to Ageing and Ageism, I have drawn attention to the lack of human rights of older people and the archaic policies in our society. I draw the attention of Members to the newsletter of the Irish breast cancer campaign. I have referred to cutting off breast cancer screening at 64 years of age. The Europa Donna Ireland newsletter states:

BreastCheck stops at age 64 for women,despite the evidence that risk continues and increases for women as they age. Three quarters of breast cancers are found in women over 50 and while the cumulative risk of a woman developing breast cancer before the age of 50 is one in 48, before the age of 65 it is 1 in 16, and by 75 it is 1 in 11.

My all-Ireland active living award will be launched at the end of September. I will be working passionately North and South for the human rights of older people in our society. Most decisions in Departments are made by men because decision makers are male dominated. This is one of the main reasons women over 65 are not entitled to the wonderful, free breast screening programme we have. I want Members on both sides to become part of my anti-ageism campaign.