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]
Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.
Bernard Allen
Ceist: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.
The decision to proceed on a phased basis is a reflection of the complexities involved in the screening process and my Department's key objective is to ensure that the programme is driven by international quality assurance criteria and best practice. I will support BreastCheck in moving to national coverage as soon as is practicably possible, having regard, in particular, to the experience gained in putting Phase I of the programme in place.