Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 69: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the European Parliament resolution on breast cancer, 2003, the third edition of the European code against cancer, 2003, and the European Commission recommendation of 2003 adopted by the Council of Ministers, all calling for the extension of breast cancer screening to all women up to the age of at least 69; if her Department will be extending breast cancer screening to those over 65; if so, the timescale for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9440/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am aware of the recommendations on breast screening contained in the documents referred to by the Deputy. The national breast screening programme currently covers the eastern, north eastern, midland and parts of the south eastern areas of the country. Screening is being offered free of charge to all women in those areas in the target age group 50 to 64 years of age.

The current priority of BreastCheck and my Department is to progress the roll out of breast screening to women in the target age group in the rest of the country. Following the national roll out and when the programme is sufficiently developed and quality assured, consideration will be given to extending the upper age limit.

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.