Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 180: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when BreastCheck will be made available to the residents on the mid-western region; the reasons for the delay in rolling out the programme to the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13071/05]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 181: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the BreastCheck programme will be rolled out immediately in the mid-western region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13072/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 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.

Design briefs for the BreastCheck static units at the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork, and University College Hospital, Galway, have been completed. 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 general practitioner who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.