Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when BreastCheck mobile digital screen units will be rolled out in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10882/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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BreastCheck commenced the screening process in the Western Region last May, with the provision of a mobile unit on the grounds of Roscommon County Hospital. I officially opened the BreastCheck static unit for the Western Region at University College Hospital Galway last December. An additional €26.7 million capital funding was provided for the construction of two new static units, eight additional mobile units and the provision of state of the art digital equipment. A total of €15 million additional revenue funding has been allocated to cater for national roll-out of the programme. The full complement of 111 staff for roll-out has been approved and recruitment is underway. The screening sequence for roll out to individual counties will be dictated by BreastCheck's operational considerations such as maximising uptake, most efficient use of mobile and static units and radiographic personnel. The programme is designed to offer repeat screening within an interval of 21-27 months.

The Deputy's specific question in relation to the timeframe for roll-out of the programme to Co. Clare 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.