I propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 111, 112 and 114 together.
Additional funding of €0.2m is being provided in the 2015 Estimates to commence the extension of the BreastCheck screening programme next year to women aged 65 to 69 years of age. Screening of the extended cohort will commence towards the end of 2015 and will be expanded on an incremental basis. The age extension will be fully rolled out in 2021. The age extension will be rolled out on a nationwide basis. The additional eligible population is approximately 100,000 and, when fully implemented, 540,000 women will be included.
The extension will result in those who are already being invited to screening as part of the current programme having their period of screening extended until they are 69 years of age. Those aged 65 will be the first to be invited. The extension will be implemented on a phased basis in order to manage the additional screening and follow up workload.
Additional capital and equipment is required for the age extension. This will be provided periodically until 2021 and will not impact on the current screening programme.
Women of any age who have concerns about breast cancer should seek the advice of their GP who will, if appropriate, refer them to the symptomatic breast services in one of the eight designated cancer centres.