63 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health the nature of the work being undertaken in conjunction with other European countries to ascertain the effectiveness of mammographic screening in preventing breast cancer; and when results will be available from this research. [182/94]

94 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to recent reports indicating the need for the implementation of a nationwide breast cancer screening programme, with particular reference to women in the over 50 age group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1012/94]

133 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to introduce a national breast screening programme in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [926/94]

138 Mr. J. Fox asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to introduce a breast cancer screening service for all women, especially those in the high risk group in Ireland. [16/94]

154 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the provision of a national breast cancer screening programme is conducive to earlier detection and successful treatment; the plans, if any, he has for introducing such a programme at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1014/94]

222 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health his policy on mammography screening; if he intends to introduce national screening for women between the ages of 50 and 64; and the progress that has been made in introducing a mammograph screening service in this country. [254/94]

229 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health when he will receive final results of a pilot project on the matter of breast cancer screening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [719/94]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 63, 94, 133, 138, 154, 222 and 229 together.

As the causes of breast cancer remain to be clearly established, emphasis is placed on early detection at the pre-invasive stage, through mammography, and consequent early treatment. The yield from mammography is highly dependent upon the medical equipment being used and the expertise of the health professionals involved in the procedure.

At present in Ireland, mammography is used largely as a diagnostic tool for symptomatic or worried women on referral by their general practitioners. There are now diagnostic mammography units at 17 hospitals throughout the country and expertise has been growing in all aspects of the early detection of breast cancer and its treatment.

Some months ago I met representatives of the Irish Countrywomen's Association to discuss breast cancer services generally. As a result of our discussions, my Department's Health Promotion Unit together with the Irish Cancer Society are arranging a number of seminars on breast awareness over the coming months in order to increase public awareness of breast cancer and other aspects of women's health.