Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.

Joan Burton

Question:

114 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the extension of the BreastCheck service to Munster will take place in regard to his announcement of 27 March 2003; the resources which have been allocated for the extension; when it is planned to extend the service to the rest of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11989/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced the national extension of BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme on 27 March 2003. The BreastCheck clinical unit in the western area will be at University College Hospital Galway, with two associated mobile units. The area of coverage is counties Galway, Sligo, Roscommon, Donegal, Mayo, Leitrim, Clare and Tipperary North Riding. The BreastCheck clinical unit in the southern area will be located at South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, with three associated mobile units. Counties covered include Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford and Tipperary South Riding. Under the extension, approximately 130,000 women in the target population 50 to 64 years of age will be eligible for screening. The programme expects to diagnose approximately 400 cancers per annum among this population.

Under the business plan submitted by BreastCheck to the Department, the national expansion of the programme to the west and the south is costed at €27 million, including €13 million capital costs. It is anticipated that additional costs will be incurred by the host hospitals and these are being assessed at present. In relation to funding requirements, I do not anticipate additional revenue requirements for this programme this year. Revenue requirements for subsequent years will be considered in the context of the Estimates process. As regards capital costs, discussions are on going involving officials of my Department, BreastCheck and relevant health agencies. Meetings have already taken place involving BreastCheck, the relevant health boards and hospitals and my Department in relation to the detailed roll-out of this programme.

Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 71.