Liam Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 254: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in expanding the national breast screening programme, which was approved in 2003 to the south-east region to include the counties of Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford; when it is likely that the screening facility will be available to women in these counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5112/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The expansion of the breast screening programme to counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford and the roll-out 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.

The expansion of the programme to counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford will result in approximately 18,000 women being invited for breast screening. Screening commenced in Wexford in March last year and BreastCheck has advised my Department that the first round of screening will be completed there shortly. BreastCheck expects to commence screening in County Carlow in April this year and screening will follow in County Kilkenny when the first round of screening in Carlow is completed.

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.