Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Breast Screening Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

578 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the services for breast screening in Tralee General Hospital, County Kerry will be retained and improved in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23438/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The provision of services at Tralee General Hospital is in the first instance the responsibility of the Southern Health Board. The Deputy may be aware that at the request of my predecessor, Deputy Cowen, a review of services for symptomatic breast disease was carried out by a sub-group of the National Cancer Forum. I have considered this report, and while having taken no final decisions on its implementation, I accept the broad thrust of its recommendations.

However, I feel that some further refinements are needed in relation to implementation arrangements at local level. In this regard I established an advisory group, chaired by Professor Niall O'Higgins, St. Vincent's Hospital, to assist and liaise with health boards in formulating their plans for the development of specialist breast cancer services. This group has met management and clinicians at the Southern Health Board. I understand that following this meeting the board are considering their plans for the development of services for symptomatic breast disease and will shortly be submitting their plans to my Department for approval and funding.

I am confident that the development of symptomatic breast disease services which will result, will greatly enhance the quality of services currently available to Irish women.