Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 130: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason BreastCheck is not available to women over a certain age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2695/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The national breast screening programme now covers the eastern, north-eastern, south-eastern and midland regions of the country. Screening is offered, free of charge, to all women in those areas in the target age group of 50 to 64 years of age. The current priority of BreastCheck and my Department is to progress the rollout of breast screening to women in the same age group in the rest of the country. Following the national rollout and when the programme is sufficiently developed and quality assured, consideration will be given to extending the upper age limit.

Any woman irrespective of age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her region.