Cancer Screening Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2005

Thursday, 27 January 2005

Questions (84)

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

82 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the advertisement for tenders for the construction of the new BreastCheck unit in Cork has appeared in the EU Journal; if not, when this is likely to occur; if finance has been secured from the Department of Finance for the construction of same; the position regarding the roll-out of BreastCheck to the south west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2201/05]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

My Department is considering proposals for the development of facilities for the BreastCheck service at Cork and Galway. It is intended that both facilities will be progressed simultaneously, under the capital investment framework for 2005 to 2009, and design briefs in respect of both have now been completed. The capital funding involved in both facilities has already been indented under the framework. It is anticipated that the advertisement for the appointment of a design team will be placed in the EU Journal in the coming weeks. As is normal, tenders for the construction element of these projects will not be sought until the design phase is completed.

The national roll-out of the breast screening programme to the remaining counties in the country is a major priority in the development of cancer services. This will ensure that all women in the 50 to 64 age group throughout the country will have access to breast screening and follow-up treatment where appropriate.