Cancer Screening Programme

Tuesday, 17 July 2012

Questions (821)

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

831 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the bowel cancer screening programme as committed to by the Health Service Executive services plan in view of the HSE deficit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35234/12]

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Written answers

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS), part of the Health Service Executive's National Cancer Control Programme, is responsible for the development and implementation of Ireland's first national colorectal screening programme. The programme is planned to begin in the final quarter of 2012 and will initially target people aged between 60 and 69. Free screening will be offered to 400,000 people in this age group. Preparations for implementation are continuing to ensure that every element of the screening programme meets appropriate quality standards before its commencement.