Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)

I have met hundreds of women over the past few months regarding the lack of breast screening in Munster and there is a sense of outrage among them as they have seen their hard-earned taxes squandered on pet projects such as the Punchestown centre and electronic voting. The Government makes political decisions on how public money is spent and its political judgment to date has not favoured the ordinary citizen, particularly in the provision of health services. The Minister for Finance was asked earlier on the Order of Business by my party leader, Deputy Rabbitte, when money would be provided for the roll-out of BreastCheck and when the programme will be up and running. The former Minister for Health and Children said in 2000 that BreastCheck would be available nationwide in 2002 while the current Minister said it would be available by 2007, but the people who will operate the programme say it could be at least 2008 before it is in place. The Government should re-examine the way it spends money and try to save women's lives.

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