Mary White (Fianna Fail)

Breast cancer screening should be open to all women aged up to around 70 years, as per European guidelines, although I do not agree with prescribing an age limit. Age should not preclude people from receiving medical treatment. It is barbaric to provide that a person aged 70 years or over should not receive treatment. Who is to decide that a person of a certain age is less entitled to medical treatment than a younger person? That is a ridiculous proposition and, as Senator Henry noted, a woman may yet take a case before the courts if she finds herself unable to access cervical or breast cancer screening programmes.

Cancer is a terrifying disease, particularly for those women diagnosed every year with the condition. The State must do all in its power to raise cancer awareness to ensure all vulnerable groups are screened free of charge on a regular basis and to provide comprehensive services to those who have been unfortunate to be diagnosed with this devastating disease.

Government and Opposition Senators must put pressure on the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to ensure the cervical screening programme is rolled out nationally and the national breast cancer screening programme is in place by 2007. The Acting Chairman, Senator O'Meara, will be aware from the pressure she and other Senators have applied on the issue of child care that putting the heat on Ministers works. It is ridiculous to argue that the Seanad cannot achieve anything. One can secure results if one puts one's mind to it.