Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

This is the worst nightmare of every woman and family and Members must ensure that such women will receive the appropriate treatment and counselling for what they must go through. They also should be made aware they are in the thoughts and prayers of Members, who will do what they can for them.

It is also important not to scare away other women. This morning I heard a Professor O'Keeffe state that negative results rarely or never come from a BreastCheck clinic or dedicated breast unit. This must be borne in mind and people must be made aware of it. It is also important to point out to women who may be listening that, unfortunately, 2,000 women present every year with breast cancer, the majority of whom are treated effectively and receive treatment for their breast cancer. It is important to point out this and Members must not engage in scaremongering.