Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On the final question, it was a decision of the section of the HSE which appoints consultants. I presume it is pending Ann O'Doherty's inquiry.

The 70 consultants taken on in recent years are all in place as are their departments. The problem is that they are too scattered. The Deputy is correct that the provision of centres of excellence has not worked and we are all aware of why that is so.

The national BreastCheck screening programme last year alone screened 64,000 people. Every year there have been substantial increases in the number. It is fully rolled out and is commencing a process——

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