Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2005
88 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the cancer screening programme, BreastCheck, will be operational in the western region of the Health Service Executive; and the date the programme will commence. [7350/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe roll-out of the national breast screening programme to the remaining counties is a major priority in the development of cancer services. This will ensure that all women in the relevant age group in every county have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where appropriate.
A capital investment of approximately €21 million has been approved to construct and equip two static clinical units, one in Cork and the other in Galway. Design briefs in respect of the capital projects have been completed. It is anticipated that the advertisement for the appointment of a design team will be placed in the EU journal in the coming weeks. Additional capital funding of €3 million has been approved for the relocation and development of the symptomatic breast disease unit, in tandem with the BreastCheck development at University College Hospital, Galway. I am confident that the target date of 2007 for the expansion of BreastCheck nationally will be met.
Any woman, irrespective of her age or residence, who has immediate concerns or symptoms should consult her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.
