Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 116: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the stage of development of the old international trading centre site; when the BreastCheck programme for the south is due to be operational from this site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9501/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The roll out 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 in the South Infirmary, Victoria Hospital, Cork and in University College Hospital, Galway. Design briefs for 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 shortly. I am confident that the target date of 2007 for the expansion of the breast check programme nationally will be met.

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for capital developments at acute hospitals. Accordingly my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's southern area to investigate the matters raised about progress on overall developments on the site referred to and to reply directly to the Deputy.