3567. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health her plans to address the growing volume of women who fall outside the age range for BreastCheck screening that require symptomatic and surveillance breast care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56925/26]

The Government is committed to improving cancer care and ensuring equity of care for patients. Since the launch of the current cancer strategy in 2017, the Government has allocated €105 million to support cancer services and improve outcomes for patients. This has enabled the recruitment of over 670 additional staff to our cancer services. In this same period the Government has also committed very significant capital funding of over €150m to cancer services across several regions.

I and my Department are dedicated to enhancing Ireland’s population screening programmes, which are a vital component of our health services. They enable early treatment and care for many people, thereby enhancing the overall health of our community.

In Budget 2026, 20 WTE posts were allocated to the National Screening Service (NSS), including 10 for BreastCheck. This follows Budget 2025, which provided €2.9 million for BreastCheck and a total of 37 WTE posts to support the programme’s expansion, future development and growing demand.

The NSS advise that BreastCheck currently invites women aged 50 to 69 years every 2 to 3 years to have a screening mammogram. With regard to the eligible age ranges for screening, these are determined on the basis of the evidence showing that the benefits of screening for that group outweigh the harms.

Consideration of any changes to Ireland’s screening programmes will be facilitated through established evidence-driven protocols. The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that advises the Minister for Health on any proposed changes to Ireland’s screening programmes.

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 comprises 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. They are time intensive and rigorous processes.

It should be emphasised that population-based screening programmes are intended for individuals without symptoms. The updated National Breast Cancer GP Referral Guideline, published in 2021, clearly indicates those women who have signs and symptoms that should be referred to a symptomatic breast disease clinic and those whose breast complaints do not require a referral to symptomatic services. There is no age restriction with regard to referral of women with signs or symptoms of breast cancer to a symptomatic breast disease clinic. If someone has any concerns or symptoms related to their breasts, they should not attend screening but instead contact a medical professional for appropriate advice.

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