23 Mar 05 BreastCheck
61. Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the date on which the BreastCheck screening programme will be extended throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9439/05]
Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney): I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 30, 61 and 133 together.
I am confident that the target date of 2007 for the expansion of BreastCheck nationally will be met. The national breast screening programme commenced in 2000 and currently covers the eastern, north eastern, midland and parts of the south eastern areas of the country. Screening is being offered free of charge to all women in those areas in the target age group of 50 to 64 years. Since the programme commenced in 2000 cumulative revenue funding of approximately ?60 million and capital funding of ?12 million has been allocated to support the programme.
The national roll out of the programme is now a major priority in the development of cancer services. This will ensure that all women in the relevant age group in every county will have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where appropriate. The national roll out of the programme required detailed planning for the development of infrastructure to provide for two static clinical units, one in Cork and the other in Galway.
A capital investment of approximately ?21 million has been approved to construct and equip the two clinical units and to ensure that mobile units are available to screen women in the relevant age group throughout the country. 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. Design briefs in respect of the capital projects have been completed. It is intended to progress the developments at Cork and Galway simultaneously and it is anticipated that the advertisement for the appointment of a design team will be placed in the EU journal shortly.
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.
69. Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the European Parliament resolution on breast cancer, 2003, the third edition of the European code against cancer, 2003, and the European Commission recommendation of 2003 adopted by the Council of Ministers, all calling for the extension of breast cancer screening to all women up to the age of at least 69; if her Department will be extending breast cancer screening to those over 65; if so, the timescale for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9440/05]
Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney): I am aware of the recommendations on breast screening contained in the documents referred to by the Deputy. The national breast screening programme currently covers the eastern, north eastern, midland and parts of the south eastern areas of the country. Screening is being offered free of charge to all women in those areas in the target age group 50 to 64 years of age.
The current priority of BreastCheck and my Department is to progress the roll out of breast screening to women in the target age group in the rest of the country. Following the national rollout 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 region.