Deirdre Clune
Ceist:437 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will be in a position to extend the breast screening programme, BreastCheck, on a nation-wide basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21174/01]
Vol. 541 No. 2
437 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will be in a position to extend the breast screening programme, BreastCheck, on a nation-wide basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21174/01]
611 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when the national breast check programme will become available in all areas. [22113/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 437 and 611 together.
Breast Check, the national breast screening programme, commenced in February 2000. Phase I of the programme covers the functional areas of the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the North-Eastern and Midland Health Boards. Screening is being offered free of charge to all women in those areas in the target age group 50 to 64 years of age.