Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 219: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the target date of 2007 for the roll-out of the BreastCheck programme to the Munster region can be met in view of the delay in submitting a planning application for the South Infirmary and Victoria Hospital site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38194/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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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 the new BreastCheck clinical units at the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork, and 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.

BreastCheck has advertised for lead consultant radiologists and radiographers for the two new clinical units, one at the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork, and one at University College Hospital, Galway. The recruitment of other key clinical posts will commence early in 2006.

There are approximately 72,000 women in the target population for screening in the southern region. BreastCheck is confident that the target date of 2007 for commencement of the roll-out will be met. This 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.