Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health when BreastCheck will be extended to women over 65 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13860/13]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health his plans to expand the BreastCheck programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13866/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 83 together.

The BreastCheck Programme provides free mammograms to all women aged 50-64. The Programme for Government includes the extension of BreastCheck to women in the 65-69 age group, in keeping with EU Guidelines on effective screening for breast cancer.

The main priority for the HSE's National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) at present is to maximise national uptake in the 50-64 year age cohort and it aims to extend the upper age range from 65 - 69 in 2014 in keeping with the Programme for Government.

In the meantime women of any age who have concerns about breast cancer should seek the advice of their GP who will, if appropriate, refer them to the symptomatic breast services in one of the eight designated specialist cancer centres.

In addition, my Department commissioned an Efficiency Review of the BreastCheck Screening Programme in order to prepare for the age extension of BreastCheck to women up to the age of 69. The review makes a number of recommendations on how the screening process could be enhanced to increase the number screened. My Department will continue to work with the HSE to ensure that national priorities and Programme for Government commitments are met.