Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

Previously, such women were given a commitment to the effect that the roll-out would be completed in 2004. However, the Minister's reply indicates that light at the end of the tunnel will not even be seen this year. This is disturbing and concerns me because breast cancer screening saves lives. Improvements have been discerned in Northern Ireland where such screening is available to all who need it.

Regrettably however, Members are also aware that the cancer plan is in something of a shambles and that services such as radiotherapy that should be in place are in a quagmire. They have been removed from the public private partnership process that was supposed to be the method for providing cancer services and are now in a different system. The present scenario is a sorry affair. Is the Minister stating that Members can no longer expect the complete roll-out of BreastCheck in 2007 and that gaps will continue thereafter?

See this speech in context