Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2006
298 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when funding will be provided to ensure that the age limit attached to BreastCheck screening be removed and that all applicants can have such screening on request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42815/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to ensuring that the BreastCheck service is rolled out to the remaining regions in the country as quickly as possible. I have approved additional revenue funding of €8 million for 2007 to meet the additional costs involved, bringing BreastCheck's revenue budget to €21.7 million in 2007. I have also made available an additional €26.7 million capital funding to BreastCheck for the construction of two new clinical units, five additional mobile units and the provision of state of the art digital equipment. I am pleased that screening will commence in the South and West in the Spring of next year.
When the national roll-out of the programme is sufficiently developed and it is assured that a quality service is being delivered at national level, consideration will be given to including older women and thereby continuing the screening of women in the programme who have reached 65 years of age. 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.
299 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to overcome the major difficulties persons (details supplied) have in accessing mobile BreastCheck units; if she will provide funding for such persons to ensure that they obtain such screening; [42816/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraBreastCheck has informed my Department that all BreastCheck mobile units are designed to accommodate persons in wheelchairs by providing access by means of a special lift which is installed in every mobile unit.
