Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

People will be rightly concerned about the reports this morning in regard to the doubt that has been raised about the future of the BreastCheck programme. It goes without saying, but let us say it again, that BreastCheck is a vital cancer screening programme and has undoubtedly saved many, many lives. However, we heard that Professor Ann O'Doherty told the Oireachtas health committee that her great concern is that litigation is going to cost so much that politicians will say to stop screening. Is it not the reality that compensation for women who have genuine legal cases and screening programmes can coexist? Will the Tánaiste assure people at home watching or following this that the Government will not be winding down the BreastCheck programme that has been invaluable to so many women and their families?

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