Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 75: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the national treatment purchase fund can be availed of in regard to mammograms and subsequent treatment when necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11579/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The primary purpose of the national treatment purchase fund is to make arrangements for the provision of hospital treatment to those waiting longest for admission to hospital particularly in relation to surgical specialities.

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 nationally.

With regard to breast screening, a screening programme is available to women in the 50 to 64 age group in the eastern, north eastern, midland and part of the south eastern regions. The rollout of this programme to the remaining counties in the country is a major priority in the development of cancer services. The rollout 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, I do not believe that 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.