Health Services
Seanad Éireann — 2026-09-23
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Mary Butler (FF), Waterford

I thank Senator Cosgrove. I assure her I will bring her views on this important matter back to the Minister for Health. It is important for me to clarify for the House that the BreastCheck programme does not currently collect, record or report on breast density scores. Determining the merits or otherwise of introducing such a notification is precisely the purpose of the HTA process, which should be allowed run its course. It is under way. Population-based screening programmes are intended for individuals without symptoms. It is really important that we recognise it is for people without symptoms. If somebody has any concerns or symptoms related to their breasts, they should not attend screening but instead should contact a medical professional for appropriate advice, that is, their GP. That is important.
I actually got notified yesterday. My husband told me on the phone that I got a notification from BreastCheck to attend. I think this is my fourth time going. It is a very good service. It really is. Unfortunately, only two out of three appointments are taken up. It falls more in the summer. People are busy. They might be working. It might not be easy to get off work. However, it is important to contact them, and they will reschedule. That is the most important thing to say. It is very 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 the HSE website and on breastcheck.ie .
To return to Senator Cosgrove's point, the Minister has said she has to allow the process to take place before she can make that decision, which is the Senator's request, that the person should be notified. That would mean training and everything. The sooner we get this done by HIQA, the better, and hopefully we will have a positive outcome. I do support what the Senator is trying to achieve.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-09-23/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:49+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-23