Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 78: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on progress in the past six months in the roll out of the BreastCheck programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29931/05]

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

BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, commenced in 2000 and covered the eastern, north-eastern and midland regions of the country. In 2003 the Minister for Health and Children announced the extension of the programme to counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford and the national roll out to the remaining regions in the country. Screening commenced in Wexford in March 2004 and in Carlow in April this year. BreastCheck expects to commence screening in Kilkenny early in 2006.

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. In May this year BreastCheck advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union for the appointment of a design team 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. In August this year, BreastCheck announced the appointment of the design team and the design process is now under way. 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.

I understand that the National Hospital Office-Comhairle board recently approved, in principle, 12 consultant posts required for the national roll out. The board is seeking clarification from BreastCheck in regard to sessional commitments of a number of posts. Discussions are also taking place, involving my Department, on the revenue consequences of these posts. BreastCheck is confident that the target date of 2007 for the national roll out of the programme will be met.