Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As others have said, October is a time when breast cancer awareness is at its height. It is an opportune time to support the call from Tallaght-based councillor, Teresa Costello, who wants to see free mammograms provided for all women over the age of 40. Members will know BreastCheck is currently rolling out a programme whereby women between the ages of 50 and 69 will be invited for a free mammogram every two years. That is a very welcome development, which no doubt has saved many lives. However, Councillor Costello, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36, believes a free mammogram for all women over the age of 40 will save more lives. I have no doubt she is correct in that. Each year, 3,700 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Some 34% of them are aged between 50 and 69. Councillor Costello knows what she is talking about. She also runs the biggest cancer support group in the country, Breast Friends. She is in no doubt that the rolling out of free mammograms for all women over the age of 40 will save lives and it is very hard to argue with that. I would like Members, and I am sure I speak for all who are present, to write to the Minister to ask him to implement this very sensible proposal. I have no doubt that if it is implemented, lives will be saved.