Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the treatment purchase fund will be used to allow women in the south and west of the country to have mammograms and have them processed through the already functioning symptomatic breast units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9431/05]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 60: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the statement made by a person (details supplied) that the absence of breast screening services in the western regions was leading to a high number of mastectomies among women whose cancer is being detected too late; the steps she is taking to address this situation; when it is expected that the BreastCheck service will be extended to the entire country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9421/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 60 together.

I am aware of the benefits of an organised screening programme to detect breast cancer in women. The early detection of breast cancer results in less radical medical and surgical interventions. In that regard, I am confident that the target date of 2007 for the expansion of BreastCheck nationally will be met.

Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has concerns about breast cancer should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area. More than €60 million has been invested in the development of symptomatic breast disease services since 2000. This investment has enabled the appointment of additional surgeons with an interest in breast disease, histopathologists and radiologists to enhance the delivery of breast cancer services nationally.

BreastCheck, having considered a number of options, has advised my Department that the full implementation of the national breast screening programme is the best approach to ensuring that a quality screening programme is available to all women in the target age group throughout the country. The roll out of this programme is a major priority in the development of cancer services. The roll out requires significant capital and human resources, including two static clinical units, mobile screening units, multi-disciplinary consultant teams and radiographers together with technical and administrative support.

A capital investment of €21 million has been approved to construct and equip the two clinical units and to provide for mobile units. The investment will ensure that breast screening and follow up treatment, where appropriate, is available to all women in the target group throughout the country. Pending the provision of the necessary facilities and staff, the national treatment purchase fund would be in a position to source providers who could provide a service along the lines suggested by the Deputy.