Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 98: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the recent calls by a person (details supplied) to establish the BreastCheck programme in the west of Ireland sooner than outlined; her views on whether, in view of the fact that BreastCheck will not be rolled out nationally until 2007, it will be 2009 before all eligible women are contacted and screened; her further views on whether the national roll-out of BreastCheck needs to be speeded up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8460/06]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 99: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on using the national treatment purchase fund as a means of enabling women of the west of Ireland to access BreastCheck services in view of the fact that proper screening will not occur in the west of Ireland until 2009; if not, if she will offer a workable alternative to save lives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8472/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.

I recently met with representatives of BreastCheck and they are fully aware of my wish to have the programme rolled out nationally as quickly as possible. For this to happen, essential elements of the roll-out must be in place, including adequate staffing, effective training and quality assurance programmes. For this purpose, the Department has made additional revenue funding of €2.3 million available to BreastCheck this year to provide, inter alia, for the early recruitment and training of staff.

BreastCheck is confident that the target date of 2007 for the commencement of roll-out to the west will be met; a more exact date for roll-out will depend on the availability of adequately trained medical and technical staff, particularly radiographers. BreastCheck recently interviewed for a clinical director for the west and is in the process of making an appointment. BreastCheck is also recruiting radiographers and a second consultant radiologist. BreastCheck also recently received planning permission for the static unit at University College Hospital Galway and is now proceeding to tender for the construction of this unit.

The primary purpose of the National Treatment Purchase Fund is to make arrangements for the provision of hospital treatment to those waiting longest for admission to hospital particularly in relation to surgical specialties. Pending the provision by BreastCheck of the necessary facilities and staff, I do not believe that the National Treatment Purchase Fund would be in a position to source providers who could provide a service along the lines suggested by the Deputy.

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