Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Nobody disputes the science in terms of the benefits of extending BreastCheck to women aged 65 to 69. However, as the Senator acknowledged, budgetary considerations must figure. Unfortunately, as these things always are, it a question of money. While there may be long-term savings deriving from an extension of the screening programme, the money needed to implement that extension must be found upfront. To take the funding from existing resources would most likely require its diversion from patients who are currently diagnosed. Taking resources away from those already receiving treatment for an illness in order to extend screening to those who might have an illness is not something I could stand over.

Having said that, we have costed the extension of the scheme, and the figure for 2015, at some €200,000, is actually not that high. However, because we would need to expand the units, build new centres and so on, that cost would rise in 2016 to almost €6 million, which is a much more significant figure. It is an issue of which I am very aware and I am pleased the Senator has brought it to the forefront of my attention in my first week in office. I absolutely see the logic behind her proposal for an extension and it is something I absolutely want to implement. I will do so if the resources are available, but I cannot do it at the expense of treating people who are already diagnosed. I am sure Senators will understand why that is the case.