BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, commenced in February 2000 with phase one of the programme covering the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Midland Health Board and North-Eastern Health Board areas. 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. BreastCheck is currently in consultation with the health boards concerning the roll out of the programme nationwide. 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 one of the programme in place.