Gerry Reynolds
Ceist:148 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider the establishment of a breast screening programme for County Leitrim. [16366/97]
Written Answers. - Cancer Services.
The Deputy will be aware that in March 1997, the then Minister announced the introduction of a major action plan to implement the proposals contained in the national cancer strategy. Included in the plan were proposals for the development of a breast cancer screening programme. The first phase of the national breast screening programme will cover the Eastern, North-Eastern and Midland Health Board areas. It will target 120,000 women in the 50 to 64 age group, which represents some 50 per cent of the national target population.
Decisions taken in relation to the subsequent phases, including the North-Western Health Board, will be guided by the experience gained in putting in place phase I of the programme.