Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Costello for her contribution on this very important matter. I will bring the specific points she has raised to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, and her officials.I will ask them to follow up with the Senator. She might email the Minister and her office directly on that particular point, but I certainly will follow it up. The officials will also have been watching this debate. It is a very important point.

Early diagnosis is very important in the case of cancer. Since the first national cancer strategy in 1996, detection and diagnosis at the earliest possible stage has been a key priority. Screening in the detection of cancer cases are often found in earlier stages than those detected through other pathways. BreastCheck, which is currently offered to women aged between 50 and 69, provides an opportunity for those cancers to be detected earlier. Over 155,000 women availed of BreastCheck in 2022. The work undertaken by the national cancer screening service will provide important evidence on the appropriate steps. As I stated, on the specific item raised by the Senator, the Government will look at extending the age groups covered by the BreastCheck screening programme, in line with updated HIQA standards.

On the additional point the Senator raised, I will bring it to the Minister's attention but I suggest that the Senator also follow up on it.