Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress to date on the national roll-out of BreastCheck in the west and southern areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15422/05]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 142: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to continue the roll-out of BreastCheck; the proportion of the population covered; when the service will be available in all areas and to all women; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15328/05]

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 166: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the roll-out of BreastCheck screening to the south and west; the timescale envisaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15538/05]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 169: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress on the 2005-2009 capital investment plans which are to include the nationwide roll-out of the BreastCheck programme to include the mid-west region in view of the recent representations of a correspondent (details supplied) who awaits the plans prior to approval being made. [15633/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 142, 166 and 169 together.

I am confident the target date of 2007 for the commencement of the rollout of BreastCheck to the west, north west, south and south west will be met. The national roll-out of the programme is a major priority in the development of cancer services. This will ensure all women in the relevant age group of 50 to 64 years in every county will have access to breast screening and follow-up treatment where appropriate.

The national rollout of the programme required detailed planning for the development of infrastructure to provide for two static clinical units, one in Cork and the other in Galway. Last week, I gave approval to BreastCheck to advertise for the appointment of a design team to work on detailed plans for the design and construction of these two units. In addition, I also approved the development of a symptomatic breast centre at University College Hospital Galway. The total capital approved amounts to approximately €25 million. Tender notices have already been advertised in the EU Journal to expedite this major project.

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.