Bernard Allen
Question:317 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give immediate formal authorisation for weekly breast cancer screening clinics at Cork University Hospital, both symptomatic and non-symptomatic. [23978/01]
Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.
Bernard Allen
Question:325 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is no non-symptomatic breast screening programme in the Cork area. [23986/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 325 together.
As the Deputy is aware, considerable developments have taken place in cancer care and treatment since the commencement of the implementation of the national cancer strategy in 1997. To date, over £60 million – 76.18 million – has been invested in developing cancer services. One of the major elements of the implementation of the strategy was the introduction of a national breast screening programme.
BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, commenced in February 2000 with phase one of the programme covering the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Midland Health Board and North-Eastern Health Board areas. 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 that 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 one of the programme in place. BreastCheck is currently in consultation with the health boards, including the Southern Health Board, concerning the roll out of the programme nationwide.
As the Deputy is also aware, the provision of symptomatic breast cancer services in Cork is the statutory responsibility of the Southern Health Board in the first instance. This year £800,000 – 1.016 million – was allocated to the Southern Health Board for the development of symptomatic breast cancer services in its functional area in the context of the recommendations of the report of the sub-group of the National Cancer Forum.