The development of breast services nationally is based on the report of a sub-group of the National Cancer Forum entitled Development of Services for Symptomatic Breast Disease. It recommends that a breast unit could be developed at Letterkenny General Hospital by linking with Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry to increase its caseload, experience and expertise. Such a linkage is necessary to ensure an integrated multidisciplinary breast service, including breast surgery. My Department has advised the board that it is prepared to issue financial clearance for a permanent post of breast surgeon at Letterkenny General Hospital as recommended in the report. The board is preparing a submission for my Department on these lines.