Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2005
98 Mr. Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the call made by the National Council for Ageing and Older People for the extension of the BreastCheck service to women of 65 and over; if she intends to respond to the call; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20848/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra160 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to continue the roll-out of BreastCheck; the proportion of the population currently covered; when the service will be available in all areas of the country and to all women; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20847/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra169 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of the national BreastCheck screening programme in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20905/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra253 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expected dates for the expansion of the BreastCheck mobile units in Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21030/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 160, 169 and 253 together.
The national breast screening programme commenced in 2000 and covers the eastern, midland, north-eastern and parts of the south-eastern regions of the country. There are approximately 160,000 women in the target age group in these regions.
New facilities for the expansion of BreastCheck to the remaining regions are included in the health capital investment framework 2005-09. My Department recently gave approval to BreastCheck to advertise for the appointment of a design team to work up detailed plans for the design and construction of two clinical units, one at the South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital, Cork and the other at University College Hospital, Galway. The selection process for the design team is well advanced. BreastCheck anticipates that the shortlisting, interviews and fee negotiations will be complete by the end of July 2005. Discussions on manpower requirements are currently taking place involving BreastCheck, the Health Service Executive and my Department. I am confident that the target date of 2007 for the commencement of the national roll-out will be met.
There are approximately 130,000 women in the target age group in the remaining regions. The national expansion will ensure that all women in the relevant age group in every county throughout the country will have access to breast screening and follow-up treatment where appropriate.
Following the national roll-out and when the programme is sufficiently developed and quality assured, consideration will be given to extending the upper age limit. Any woman, irrespective of her age or residence, who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.
