Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 184: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children why BreastCheck is not available in counties Cork and Kerry; and when she proposes to extend this vital service to these counties. [29682/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, commenced in 2000 and covers the eastern, north-eastern, midland and part of the south-eastern regions of the country. 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.

A design team has been appointed to work up detailed plans for two new BreastCheck clinical units, one at the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork, and one at University College Hospital, Galway. It is anticipated that, subject to obtaining satisfactory planning approval, the design process, including the preparation of the tender documentation, will be completed by mid-2006. Approximately €21 million capital funding has been made available and my Department is in discussions with BreastCheck about the revenue requirements for the programme.

There are approximately 45,000 women in the target population for screening in counties Cork and Kerry and it is expected that screening will commence in these counties in 2007. The national expansion of the programme will ensure that all women in the 50 to 64 age group in every county have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where appropriate.

Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.