Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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469. To ask the Minister for Health if he will extend the BreastCheck cut-off age from 65 to 70 years of age and increase health advertising on its importance, given the ageing population and the reduction in the number of women taking the check during the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42954/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Last year I announced the extension of BreastCheck, the free breast screening service, to women aged 65-69 years, in keeping with EU Guidelines. Previously, this service was available to women aged 50-64 years. I am pleased to confirm that the first invitations to the extended age range have issued and that the screening of 500 women in this cohort will take place this year.

Earlier this year, BreastCheck launched a new advertising campaign. It highlights the benefits and convenience of participating in BreastCheck and aims to encourage women to attend their first appointment, while normalising regular breast screening among all eligible women. The campaign has been featured on TV, radio, print, outdoor, social and digital media throughout the year and most recently in October, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A similar level of advertising activity is planned for 2016.