Written answer
Healthcare Policy
The Minister said BreastCheck currently covers women aged 50-69, with additional funding and staffing to support expansion. HIQA is conducting an evidence-based assessment, at the National Screening Advisory Committee’s request, of extending eligibility to ages 45-49 and 70-74, potentially lowering the age below 50.
3288. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if she will consider lowering the eligibility age for women to receive BreastCheck to those under 50 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55643/26]
Comment on this
As Minister for Health, I am committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
The Programme for Government commits to extending the ages for the BreastCheck Screening Programme, in line with updated standards from HIQA.
BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, currently invites women aged 50 to 69 years at regular intervals to have a screening mammogram. In Budget 2026, 20 (WTE) positions were allocated to National Screening Services, of which 10 were assigned to BreastCheck. In Budget 2025, an additional €2.9 million was allocated to the BreastCheck programme to support the recruitment of 22 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) posts, with an additional 15 WTE posts approved. This will assist in expanding and future-proofing the programme to meet increased demand.
I would note that any proposed changes to Ireland’s cancer screening programmes, will be facilitated through established evidence-driven protocols. The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that considers proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes. NSAC assesses the evidence in a robust and transparent manner and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to myself as Minister.
At the request of NSAC, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has commenced a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to consider proposals for the expansion of the BreastCheck programme. This review will comprise two elements; the proposed extension of the age range eligibility to those aged 45-49 and 70-74, and the potential introduction of a standardised breast density notification.
HTAs facilitate the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of resources. They involve a multi-disciplinary assessment of the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and societal perspectives that may be impacted by the introduction of a new technology.
HTAs are time intensive and rigorous processes that must be afforded the necessary amount of time to complete. This is particularly relevant in the context of the BreastCheck HTA, which is considering three distinct areas, the potential to increase the age eligibility, to decrease the age eligibility and potential reporting of breast density.
Finally, I would like to emphasise that population-based screening programmes are for people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact a medical professional.
It is also important that every woman is breast aware, which means knowing what is normal for them so that if any unusual change occurs, they will recognise it. Further information is available on www.breastcheck.ie.