Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 16: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will reconsider the offer made by a clinic (details supplied) in County Galway on 11 February 2003 to provide BreastCheck screening in the interim; if, in view of the fact that her Department's reasoning at the time was that it operated in analog not digital, this is the perfect interim solution given that her Department operates its BreastCheck screening by digital mode and that BreastCheck will not be up and running until 2007 and the screening cycle will not be completed until 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8504/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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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. I have made additional revenue funding of €2.3 million available to BreastCheck this year to provide among other things 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.

Any proposal received by BreastCheck to support the roll-out of its screening programme is carefully examined to assess the extent to which it complies with existing standards. BreastCheck has advised my Department that it has engaged in extensive discussions with the clinic referred to by the Deputy. BreastCheck has conducted an evaluation of this proposal and has concluded that it would not be in a position to provide a population based screening programme in line with BreastCheck service standards. Discussions are ongoing involving BreastCheck and the clinic concerning other options which might enable the clinic to contribute to the introduction of the programme in the west.

BreastCheck has evaluated a number of full field digital mammography systems and has decided that full digital imaging will be used in the roll-out.