347. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update regarding the extension of the BreastCheck programme to women aged between 65 and 69 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3398/15]

384. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health if resources will be available for the expansion of BreastCheck programme to women aged 65 to 69 years; when resources will be made available for this expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3700/15]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 384 together.

Planning for the age extension of BreastCheck to 65 - 69 year olds is underway and screening of the extended cohort will commence in Quarter 4 of 2015. The additional eligible population is approximately 100,000 and, when fully implemented, 540,000 women will be included in the BreastCheck Programme.

The age extension will be implemented on an incremental basis in line with the capacity of the system to manage the additional screening and follow up workload. BreastCheck will need to recruit and train additional radiographers, medical consultants and administration support to accommodate the increased demand. Funding for this, and for additional mobile units and medical equipment will be made available across the implementation period. The age extension will be fully rolled out by 2021.

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.