Vol. 523 No. 4
135 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals he has to extend mammography and breast cancer surgery services throughout the country with particular reference to the North Eastern Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21366/00]
Breast cancer screening among the cohorts of women in the 50-64 years age group commenced at Longford General Hospital in the mobile breastcheck unit in September 2000. Breastcheck, the national breast screening programme, proposes to commence screening women in the target group at Navan General Hospital with effect from 1 November 2000 and thereafter in the remainder of the North Eastern Health Board region.
A review of the services for symptomatic breast disease was carried out by a sub group of the national cancer forum and I have received its report. I have considered this report, and while having taken no final decisions on its implementation, I accept the broad thrust of its recommendations. However, I feel that some further refinements are needed in relation to implementation arrangements at local level. In this regard, I recently announced the establishment of an advisory group, to be chaired by Professor Niall O'Higgins, St. Vincent's Hospital, to assist and liaise with health boards in formulating their plans for the development of specialist breast cancer services. I am confident that the development of symptomatic breast disease services which will result will greatly enhance the quality of the services currently available to the women of Ireland.
Question No. 136 taken with Question No. 111.
