Michael Ring
Question:91 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when the national breast screening programme will be extended to other health boards; and the reason the Western Health Board has again been excluded. [23556/01]
Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.
BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, is currently in consultation with the health boards, including the Western Health Board, concerning the roll out of the programme nationwide.
The decision to proceed on a phased basis is a reflection of the complexities involved in the screening process and my Department's key objective is to ensure the programme is driven by international quality assurance criteria and best practice. I will support BreastCheck in moving to national coverage as soon as is practicably possible, having regard, in particular, to the experience gained in putting phase I of the programme in place.