James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The Minister's figures are correct. We have been told that we could save more than 340 lives annually by rolling out screening for colorectal cancer. However, I am concerned that she has delayed implementation of the programme even though HIQA has advised that it provides value for money and the national cancer screening service wants to proceed with it.

Cervical screening was first introduced as a pilot project in late 1999 and early 2000 but ten years passed before it was rolled out nationally. The national roll-out of BreastCheck has been similarly protracted. Colorectal cancer screening, which has been costed at approximately €15 million, should be available sooner rather than later. What price is put on lives? When will the Minister make screening available?

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