Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

The programme recently completed a detailed review of resource requirements to create capacity for the progressive transfer of all symptomatic breast cancer services to the eight designated cancer centres with the objective of completing 60% transfer by the end of this year and 90% by the end of 2009. Funding of €7 millionhas been allocated from the programme across the eight centres to support additional staff, including consultant, radiography, nursing and clerical posts. Funding also has been allocated for some necessary additional equipment.

The roll-out of BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, also will reduce significantly the number of symptomatic breast cancer presentations. The Minister for Health and Children officially opened the new clinical static screening unit for the southern region last December and nearly 4,000 women from Cork have already been screened.

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