Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans and timetable for the rollout of BreastCheck in the west of Ireland; when she intends to have the screening service up and running; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6244/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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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 €21 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 the capital projects have 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. Additional capital funding of €3 million has also been approved for the relocation and development of the symptomatic breast disease unit, in tandem with the BreastCheck development, at University College Hospital, Galway.

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 the region.