John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 193: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the date when the BreastCheck screening programme will be extended to the whole of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10139/05]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 216: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of the BreastCheck service in the former Southern Health Board area; and when this new service is now expected to become operational. [10309/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 216 together.

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, 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 shortly. 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 immediate concerns or symptoms should consult her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 194: 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; and if so, the timescale involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10140/05]

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 of 50 to 64 years of age. More than 60% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in this country are under the age of 65.

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 area.