Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 97: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the claim made by the former director of BreastCheck (details supplied) that breast cancer sufferers in remote rural areas face more than double the risk of having a mastectomy compared with women treated in Dublin due to the lack of screening facilities; the steps she is taking to address this situation; when the BreastCheck service will be available on a national basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8535/06]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 101: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on progress to date in 2006 on the roll-out of BreastCheck; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8463/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 101 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. 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 southern and western regions 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 clinical directors for both regions and is in the process of making appointments. BreastCheck is also recruiting radiographers and a second consultant radiologist for each region. BreastCheck also recently received planning permission for the screening unit at University College Hospital Galway and is now proceeding to tender for its construction. BreastCheck is awaiting planning permission for the unit at the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork.