Vol. 538 No. 1
167 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on recent figures which show that the life expectancy here for women is 78.6 years, the second lowest figure in Europe; his views on whether the health system is failing women, particularly regarding preventive medicine and chronic care; and the proposals he has on this matter. [17361/01]
The Plan for Women's Health is the blueprint for improving and developing the health care services required by women and has as its main objectives: to maximise the health and social gain of Irish women; to create a women-friendly health service and to increase consultation with and representation of women in health services. In accordance with a recommendation contained in the plan, the Women's Health Council was established on a statutory basis in 1997. Its mission is to inform and influence the development of health policy to ensure the maximum health and social gain for women in Ireland. While the health services are not organised on a gender specific basis there are a number of initiatives currently in operation specifically aimed at increasing the life expectancy of women.
BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, was formally launched on 10 October 2000. Phase I of the programme covers the Eastern, North-Eastern and Midland Health Board area and will target 136,000 women in the age cohort 50 to 64 which represents approximately 50% of the national target population. Phase II of the programme will involve the extension of the programme to the rest of the country.
Phase 1 of the national cervical screening programme commenced in the Mid-Western Health Board in October 2000. Under phase 1, approximately 67,000 women in the 25-60 age group will be screened free of charge at minimum intervals of five years. The extension of the programme to the rest of the country and the establishment of a structure to manage the national programme are currently being examined by an expert group and the chief executive officers of the health boards.
Ante-natal and post-natal care is provided through the maternity and infant care scheme, which provides an agreed programme of care to an expectant mother arising out of her pregnancy and to her new-born baby for six weeks after birth. The scheme is free of charge and is available to all women regardless of means.
While not specifically targeted at women, campaigns such as National Healthy Eating Week and Ireland Needs a Change of Heart will help to create awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for both men and women.
