Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Senator is quite right. As I have outlined, the additional €10 million investment in cancer screening this year represents a commitment by the Government. The development and opening of new BreastCheck units and the recruitment of more staff will assist and enhance capacity across the service. The events around breast cancer awareness this month will, no doubt, raise awareness of the benefits of screening and support more women to be breast aware.

The most important point to get across, and all my female colleagues present will support me in this, is that it is important that women who are called for their appointments go along. I remember when I was called a couple of years ago - when a woman turns 50 she gets the call within a year - and it is so important to go. Sometimes people are a little apprehensive and embarrassed but it is the most important thing they can do. Sometimes they get good news and sometimes they get bad news, but early intervention is key. The message from the House today, during such an important month, is that everyone is encouraged to go for their BreastCheck appointment when they are called.