Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 176: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in respect of the survivors of symphysiotomy procedures; the measures she proposes to take to provide redress for these patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8862/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My predecessor, Deputy Martin, met the survivors of symphysiotomy group, SOS, in late 2003 and agreed that a range of measures would be put in place to support the group.

My Department is advised by the Health Service Executive, HSE, that the current position with regard to the services now in place is as follows. The former health boards and the relevant voluntary hospitals appointed liaison officers, who met and continue to meet with patients that have undergone symphysiotomy to discuss their health care needs. Independent clinical advice is available, on request, through the liaison personnel, to patients who have undergone symphysiotomy. This has already been availed of by a number of members of SOS and appropriate follow-up has been arranged. An assessment service for patients was established at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin. This service is provided by a multi-disciplinary team which undertakes an assessment of patients, following which, recommendations for care pathways are discussed with individual patients. Medical cards have been granted, based on medical grounds, to SOS patients who do not have such eligibility.

The HSE has recently issued replacement medical cards that contain a unique patient identifier that is designed to allow for the fast-tracking of patients requiring hospital appointments and/or treatments. The provision of certain non-GMS items recommended for patients by their GP and/or consultant will continue and the pharmacist-supplier will be reimbursed by the HSE. In addition, medical expenses related to symphysiotomy may be refunded, where necessary, to patients in respect of medication/private treatments required to address the effects of symphysiotomy.

Applications for home help and modifications are dealt with on an individual basis and applications are fast-tracked, where necessary. Independent counselling services are available to patients where requested. Information packs have been made available to general practitioners and relevant health care personnel.

I met the chairperson of the SOS group and a representative of the HSE on 17 January 2006. The chairperson expressed satisfaction with regard to progess made to date. I am satisfied from the foregoing that considerable progress has been made in putting in place the required level of support for patients who have undergone symphysiotomy.

The HSE will continue to oversee the provision of necessary support services for this patient group. With the increasing use of caesarean section as a means of delivery, symphysiotomy is now rarely employed in obstetric practice.

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 177: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent of breast screening services here; the proposals she has to extend the service to those counties that currently lack same; when it is expected to have BreastCheck available countrywide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8863/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I recently met 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 next year 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.