Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 6

Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

272 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will provide the funding needed to replace mammography equipment in Ennis General Hospital, the breakdown of which has resulted in the closure of the mammography service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4856/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of hospital services in this region is the statutory responsibility of the Mid-Western Health Board in the first instance.

In relation to breast disease services in the Mid-Western Health Board area, the board formally adopted a report on the development of symptomatic breast disease services for the region on 8 December 2000. Detailed proposals in relation to the implementation of the report have not yet been submitted to my Department by the board. With regard to mammography services, the board recently brought to the attention of my Department that the present mammography equipment in Ennis General Hospital required to be replaced if services were to be maintained at the hospital. The board has been informed that my Department has no objection to this. The board has also been informed that the provision of specific funding for the development of symptomatic breast disease treatment services in Limerick will be considered for priority attention in the context of the Estimates for 2002.