The board of BreastCheck has submitted a business plan for the national expansion of BreastCheck to the remaining counties, including the mid-west region. The total cost of the extension as calculated by BreastCheck is approximately €27 million, including capital costs of €13 million. The annual cost of the current programme is €8.7 million. The Department of Health and Children is in discussions with the executive of BreastCheck in relation to the expansion of the programme and especially the linkages with the existing symptomatic services. The Minister is committed to the national expansion of BreastCheck at the earliest possible date.