Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 152: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has information regarding a private consortium putting together a proposal to provide the BreastCheck services in the Munster region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13594/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am not aware of any proposal by a private consortium to provide BreastCheck services in the Munster region. The roll out of the national breast screening programme to the remaining regions in the country 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 design brief for the BreastCheck static units at the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork and University College Hospital, Galway, has 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 GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.