The Government is fully aware of the impact of breast cancer on women's health and has made the development and improvement of diagnostic and treatment services for breast cancer patients a major priority in the development of cancer services. A national breast screening programme combined with quality assured symptomatic services nationally are key elements of our cancer control programme. Since 2000, more than €60 million has been made available for the development of symptomatic breast disease services. I have invested significantly in BreastCheck to meet its capital and revenue requirements and it is confident that the target date of next year for commencement of screening in the remaining regions of the country will be met.
One of the key issues raised by the Royal College of Surgeons is the fragmentation of surgical care for women with breast cancer. The reality is that a low volume of surgical procedures is being carried out in too many hospitals at present which is not in line with best international practice. I recognise the importance of quality care and adherence to best practice in the provision of quality services for breast cancer patients. Last year I established a National Quality Assurance Group, under the Chairmanship of Professor Niall O'Higgins, President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. I am aware of the success of the recent stakeholder symposium organised by the Group as part of the process of developing expert guidelines for the management of symptomatic breast disease. It will also be necessary to establish effective mechanisms to ensure that the guidelines are applied in the best interests of patient care.
The National Cancer Forum has recommended in its National Strategy for Cancer Control a national governance and organisation structure including accreditation to improve the quality of cancer care. The Strategy is currently being examined by my Department in conjunction with the HSE. I will bring proposals to Government shortly.