Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 232: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 388 of 5 October 2004, the further position; if they will have an option in such an instance; the policy of her Department on allowing women avail of such treatment at the nearest available treatment unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24230/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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There is significant international evidence linking best outcome in breast surgery to multi-disciplinary care, adequate throughput and support services in the various modalities of cancer care. It is my Department's view that all women, regardless of location, who require breast surgery should receive treatment and follow up that ensures best patient outcome.

BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, has advised my Department that the majority of women whose breast cancer is detected by BreastCheck under the current screening programme in the eastern, midland, north-eastern and part of the south-eastern regions opt to have their primary treatment and follow up at the BreastCheck clinical unit for their region. As I advised the Deputy, it is open to women to seek treatment and follow up at their regional designated centre for symptomatic breast disease which meets the essential requirements I have outlined.