John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 263: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there is an age limit of 65 years for BreastCheck; the reason an age limit was set; her views on changing same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34576/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme is available to women in the 50 to 64 age group in the eastern, midland, north eastern and parts of the south eastern regions. More than 60% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in this country are under 65 years of age. The current priority of BreastCheck is to progress the roll out of the screening programme to women in the 50 to 64 age group in the remaining regions of the country. Following the national roll-out and when the programme is sufficiently developed and quality assured, consideration will be given to extending the upper age limit. Any woman, irrespective of her age or residence, who has immediate concerns or symptoms, should contact her general practitioner who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 264: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason it takes 18 months to assess a child for speech therapy at a health centre (details supplied) in County Kildare; the waiting times at other centres in County Kildare; her views on whether young children referred to the service at two years of age should have to wait 18 months for an assessment in view of the critical nature of early childhood development; the way in which she intends to end this waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34583/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.