Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health his plans to roll out bowel cancer screening throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55672/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the national colorectal screening programme commenced in November. The programme has been introduced on a phased basis to men and women between the ages of 60-69 years.

When fully implemented the programme will offer free screening to men and women aged 55-74 every two years. As 50% of cancers within this age group are found in people aged 60-69 the programme has begun with this latter age cohort (a population of approximately 500,000). It is anticipated that the first screening round will take up to three years to complete. Over time the phasing of the programme will allow development of colonoscopy capacity to cater for the full 55-74 year age population.

I regard the colorectal screening programme as a national priority and I am committed to supporting it as it develops.