Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

Finally following years of campaigning and advocacy, BreastCheck has been rolled out throughout the country but, unfortunately, it is only available to women aged over 50. Surveys were compiled recently by Dr. Juliet McAleese and it is extraordinary that out of 600 unfortunate women who received the devastating news that they had been diagnosed with breast cancer, 400 were aged under 50. These women are usually in the midst of rearing their children or in the prime of their careers. Socially and financially, this is devastating for the State. I will embark on a campaign to ensure women under 50 will be covered by BreastCheck and will be able to avail of mammograms. A number of my friends have been diagnosed and some have died in their 40s because this service was not available. Will the Deputy Leader intervene on behalf of this significant group in our society to ensure BreastCheck is available to them? This will be cost-effective in the long run. I call on the Minister for Health and Children to come to the Chamber to discuss this issue. I accept great inroads have been made through centres of excellence but prevention is always better than cure.