The programme for Government makes very clear commitments on the extension of the BreastCheck programme. How does the Government stand over the fact that 143 women in Donegal who have been referred by their GPs to the systematic breast disease clinic have been waiting over a year for appointments and another couple of hundred women have been waiting six months? This is simply unacceptable. As a woman and somebody with a leadership role in the Government of this State, will the Tánaiste indicate what action the Government can take to ensure these women are not waiting extraordinary lengths of time for an appointment in a breast clinic after being referred by their GPs and presenting possible symptoms of breast cancer?

I recognise the importance of the matter and it is very important that BreastCheck has been extended for women aged between 65 and 70. Timely access to BreastCheck is very important and I absolutely agree with the Deputy in that respect. There is a system in place so if there is an urgent referral from a GP, such as outlined by the Deputy, arrangements can be made so the person can be seen quickly, as opposed to the more routine referrals. I do not know the particulars of the cases in Donegal but sometimes when there have been delays in BreastCheck it has been due to the lack of availability of staff such as radiologists. I will ask the Minister the precise reason for those delays in Donegal. I will ask him to revert to the Deputy with the details as it is a serious matter.

I thank the Tánaiste.