Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 227: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the percentage take-up of BreastCheck appointments in each region; the numbers screened each year in each region since the introduction of BreastCheck; when she will extend the service to women in the 64 to 69 age bracket; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34008/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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BreastCheck commenced roll-out in the Western Region last May and in the Southern region last October. I officially opened the BreastCheck clinical static units in Cork and Galway last December. The programme is designed to offer repeat screening within an interval of 21-27 months.

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 focused 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 questions in relation to the take up of BreastCheck appointments and the numbers screened in each region are 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 matters raised.