Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 93: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of women who died from breast cancer in each year between 2002 and 2004 in County Kerry; when the national BreastCheck service will be extended to the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3262/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Statistics on cancer services are collated by the National Cancer Registry. My Department has asked the director of the registry to examine this matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.

The rollout of the national breast screening programme to the remaining counties is a major priority in the development of cancer services. This will ensure that all women in the relevant age group in every county have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where appropriate. A capital investment of approximately €20 million has been approved to construct and equip two static clinical units, one in Cork and the other in Galway. Design briefs in respect of both have now been completed. It is anticipated that the advertisement for the appointment of a design team will be placed in the EU Journal in the coming weeks. Any woman irrespective of her 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.