James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 372: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the reduced BreastCheck mammography screening services at Waterford Regional Hospital; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that women are not being referred to have a mammogram unless they present with a lump and are waiting more than two years to be screened; her views on whether waiting lists are unacceptable, particularly for the high risk patients and that this is in complete contravention of the purpose of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30009/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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At the outset, I wish to clarify that BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, does not provide mammography screening services at Waterford Regional Hospital. Mammography services are among the services provided at Waterford Regional Hospital for women who have symptoms of breast disease.

BreastCheck provides free mammograms to women aged between 50 and 64, who are not symptomatic, approximately every two years (the programme is designed to offer repeat screening within an interval of 21-27 months). Screening takes place from mobile screening units. Follow-up care for women in the Waterford area in whom breast cancer is detected takes place at the BreastCheck static unit in Cork.

Symptomatic breast services are provided at Waterford Regional Hospital for women with symptoms of breast disease. Current figures show that 98% of urgent referrals to the symptomatic breast service at Waterford are seen within the target waiting time of two weeks (May figures). Screening is not provided by the symptomatic breast services, the priority of which is to provide services for women who do have symptoms.