Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 134: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expected date by which BreastCheck services will be available in north Tipperary; the reason for the delay in rolling out the service to north Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16383/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am confident that the target date of 2007 for the commencement of the roll-out of BreastCheck to the remaining regions of the country will be met. The national roll-out of the programme is a major priority in the development of cancer services. This will ensure that 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 roll-out 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. I recently gave approval to BreastCheck to advertise for the appointment of a design team to work up detailed plans for the design and construction of these two units. In addition, I 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 been advertised in the Official Journal of the European Community to expedite this major project.

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.