Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she has reviewed the evidence in support of her policy of ending the application of free BreastCheck at age 65; her estimate of the extra cost of extending the age for providing BreastCheck; the way this compares with the benefits that would be conferred by picking up illness early; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33479/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The expert advice from BreastCheck and from the National Cancer Forum, as contained in the National Strategy for Cancer Control, is that following the national extension of the programme, the upper age limit should be extended to women aged 69 years. The priority of BreastCheck is to screen women who have not yet been screened and accordingly it is fully focussed at present on the completion of the first round of screening in the West and South. I will consider extending the age limit as recommended when the national roll-out of the programme is sufficiently developed and it is assured that a quality service is being delivered. Any woman irrespective of her age who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.

The Deputy's specific question in relation to the cost of extending the age range of BreastCheck is the responsibility of the National Cancer Screening Service. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the Service to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.