Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2004
252 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider extending the upper age limit for free breast screening under the BreastCheck service to allow women above the age of 64 avail of free screening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23749/04]
View answerThe national breast screening programme commenced in March 2000 and now covers the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Midland Health Board, North Eastern Health Board and parts of the South Eastern Health Board. Screening is being offered every two years, free of charge, to all women in those areas in the target age group 50 to 64 years of age.
The current priority of BreastCheck and my Department is to progress the roll-out of breast screening to women in the same age group in the rest of the country. Following the national roll-out and when the programme is sufficiently developed and quality assured, consideration will be given to extending the upper age limit. Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the designated symptomatic services in her region.
