Theresa Ahearn
Ceist:40 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health if mammograms are free to women in the age group 50 to 65; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7755/95]
Written Answers. - Mammography Service.
Limerick East): At present in Ireland, mammography is used largely as a diagnostic tool for symptomatic or worried women on referral by their general practitioners. This service is provided free to all public patients.
In addition, the Department has been supporting the Eccles Breast Screening Programme, which is one of a network of pilot schemes on breast cancer being carried out within the European Union. The other countries are Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy. The Irish pilot programme covered a defined catchment area, North Dublin and Cavan/Monaghan, representing both urban and rural populations. All women in the catchment area aged between 50-64 years were eligible to attend for a free mammogram.
The Government of Renewal programme contains an undertaking to expand the Eccles Breast Screening Programme on a phased basis to cover those women in the high risk group nationwide. A report on the programme's second round of screening was completed at the end of 1994 and submitted to my Department. This report is currently being evaluated and assessed. I expect to be in a position to announce a decision on the phased expansion of the programme in the near future.