Teresa Costello
Agricultural Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“For example, in Tallaght, Firhouse and Ballyroan, people are telling me that the road and junction narrowing has led to increased congestion, longer journey times and frustration on the part of motorists, while also making it more difficult for buses, delivery vehicles and larger vehicles to navigate safely.”
“Likewise, long-acting reversible contraception such as implants and intrauterine devices will continue to be provided through appropriately trained medical professionals. These safeguards ensure that patient safety remains at the heart of this new service. The legislation represents good use of public resources.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here today. Over the past few years and during my time as a councillor, there have been many changes to the roads in my area. It led me to ask the Minister to undertake a comprehensive review of the design manual for urban roads and streets, commonly known as DMURS.”
“I am not the first to raise this and I will not be the last but I am constantly receiving reports - one as recently as this morning - about the huge number of dumped nitrous oxide canisters in the community. If there is a car park that does not have a gate on it is left full of these. I have had to clear up car parks with people.”
“While I acknowledge the council's position, many local people's lived experience has been different from what has been said about DMURS. We are seeing queues building up at peak times, greater difficulty accessing side roads and a road network that is becoming less efficient for everyone who depends on it.”
“I looked at one particular junction where cars were constantly overshooting white lines. It was very confusing and difficult for motorists. The proposed removal of village car parking under DMURS creates significant challenges.”
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“It is found in small acts, including how we check in on a friend, make room for a child who is struggling and create safe and welcoming spaces in our schools, sports clubs and community centres. Let us use mental health week not just to raise awareness but to reaffirm our collective responsibility to ensure no one feels alone and that every person, regardless of age or background, knows that it is okay to ask for help because help will be there.”
“The Government has prioritised the reform of CAMHS, and youth mental health services more generally, through the establishment of the first ever child and youth mental health office in the HSE, with a dedicated national clinical lead and director. As part of budget 2025, additional posts will be recruited into CAMHS to improve access to services and reduce waiting lists. Alongside this, €3 million in recurring ring-fenced funding is provided to address CAMHS waiting lists. That money is badly needed. Mental health must be treated with the same urgency and seriousness as physical health, not just in theory but in how we fund, plan and deliver care. Mental health is also about more than just services; it is about belonging, connection, compassion and hope.”
“Over 96% of those posts are for those involved directly in client care. The mental health of our youth must be our number one priority. Irish children today are growing up in a world which is vastly different and undoubtedly more challenging than any previous generation. Growing up and navigating your teenage years has always been awkward and difficult, but technology and social media have added an entirely new facet to this. As parents, it can be difficult for us to know how to support our children through these times, which is why it is important for them to have mental health services to which they can turn. There were 4,228 children on the child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, waiting list nationally in February 2025.”
“Mental health services are allocated almost €1.5 billion of funding for 2025; a record level. Since 2022, the mental health budget has increased by 44%. This investment is enabling significant change and improvement to how we support people in suicidal crisis, people with ADHD, eating disorders and access to talking therapies for men, in particular. Investment alone cannot solve this issue. We must reform how mental health services are structured and organised. Our focus is on providing early access to support through community-based teams, preventing people from becoming more unwell and requiring inpatient treatment. While recruitment remains challenging, it should be noted that between the end of 2019 and February 2025, mental health services saw a net growth of 753 posts.”
“NINA for Life organised a walk in Kingswood. There was a Pieta House event in Tymon Park. I am sure there were other events that I missed. The message was clear that our communities care deeply. These walks are more than just events. They are symbols of shared loss, shared strength and the belief that no one should ever face darkness alone. The programme for Government, Our Shared Future, acknowledges this. It commits to radically reforming Ireland's model of mental healthcare and fully implementing Sharing the Vision, the national mental health strategy. That includes annual increases in mental health funding, 24-7 access to crisis mental health services, stronger mental health supports in primary care and community hubs, and targeted supports for young people in schools and youth services.”
“In my community of Tallaght, I have seen at first hand the extraordinary power of community-led mental health support. Individuals after experiencing personal tragedy have gone on to become pillars of strength for others. I refer to people like Johnny Fox, may he rest in peace, who was one of the original forces behind Darkness into Light; Mary McLoughlin, who founded HOPE Tallaght; and Jean Haas, who established NINA for Life suicide awareness. These are just a few names among many. There are countless volunteers and advocates. I could stand here all day naming each person who is lighting a path forward for others in pain. Just last weekend, our community came out in strength for Darkness into Light. Walks were held in Thomas Davis GAA Club and St. Anne's Park. HOPE had a walk in Dodder Valley Park.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the Seanad today. I acknowledge mental health awareness week. I must admit that I only heard last night that this initiative has been running for 20 years. It is a testament to the growing awareness of and commitment to mental health across Ireland. Each year, this week is marked by a theme. In 2021 it was nature; in 2022 it was loneliness; in 2023 it focused on anxiety; in 2024 it was movement; and this year, 2025, appropriately, the theme is community. What a vital role community plays in mental health. We all know that mental health struggles are often invisible. They are not always seen but very deeply felt and can be incredibly isolating. That is why community support is so crucial. It wraps around people when they need it most.”
“Fianna Fáil supports the intent behind this legislation and looks forward to working constructively with all Members and the Minister to ensure evidence-based, proportionate and effective public health policy can be delivered in this area.”
“A 2021 study on wild mice found that both regular and sugar-free stimulant drinks negatively impacted the blood-brain barrier and caused brain inflammation by disrupting blood pressure and blood sugar levels. What stood out was that the sugar-free versions produced worse outcomes. In another study, the same team of researchers examined the connection between stimulant drinks and metabolic syndrome. The results showed both regular and sugar-free stimulant drinks increase the chances of metabolic syndrome, with insulin resistance being the key factor. These findings suggest that even without sugar these drinks can have a harmful impact on how one's body regulates energy and fat. We need more human research but these findings are concerning enough to make anybody think twice about reaching for a sugar-free stimulant drink.”
“Sugar-free drinks, sweetened with artificial sweeteners and synthetic additives promise guilt-free sweetness. The rise of sweeteners is, in part, a sign of the spectacular success of sugar taxes, which have been introduced in more than 40 countries since 2010. Today, even sugar-free stimulant drinks dominate the shelves. There are serious concerns about the sugar-free stimulant drinks. Health experts warn that these beverages can impact cardiovascular health, dental health and may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, a condition that affects how the body processes sugar and fat. The problem is that we do not have long-term studies to truly understand how damaging sugar-free energy drinks can be, but we have some early clues.”
“That means children who regularly drink these products are at high risk of serious dental problems and not just cavities. Focusing on caffeine specifically, we know it increases anxiety, disrupts sleep, raises blood pressure, causes acid reflux and can even be toxic in high doses. It is clear that these drinks are not harmless pick-me-ups. They are potent stimulants and their effects on children and adolescents deserve far more scrutiny. We understand that under EU Regulation No. 1169/2011, products containing more than 150 mg of caffeine per litre already must carry specific health warnings but labelling alone is not enough. This Bill seeks to go further to regulate access and to reduce the exposure of children to targeted advertising. We are also in an era when sugar is often seen as public enemy number one.”
“One article I read highlighted how caffeine, acting as a stimulant to increase alertness, combines with high sugar levels to create a sudden jolt of energy. This jolt often leads to side effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, jitteriness and insomnia and is quickly followed by a crash. According to health professionals, regular consumption can cause adolescents to become dependent on that high, creating a difficult cycle to break, with withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, low mood or even depression. On the dental side, despite some reduction in sugar, energy drinks are still highly acidic, contributing to acid erosion of teeth. The Oral Health Foundation points out that caffeine also causes dry mouth by reducing saliva, which plays a key role in protecting the teeth.”
“While sugar levels have shown some reduction recently, the high levels of caffeine and other stimulants such as taurine continue to raise significant public health concerns. Research, including the 2016 Safe Food Review, has highlighted the need for education, data gathering and voluntary restrictions on sales to minors but clearly voluntary measures are no longer sufficient. Children and teenagers are still being exposed both directly and through advertising to products that can have harmful health effects. Other EU countries have acted. Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and, most recently, Hungary, have banned the sale of energy drinks to minors. What struck me most while researching this issue was the serious impact energy drinks can have on both mental and dental health in young people.”
“We remain committed to that objective and we are pleased the conversation is moving forward in a constructive and meaningful way. Fianna Fáil supports the central purpose of the Bill, which is to prohibit the sale, advertisement and promotion of stimulant drinks to persons under the age of 18. As legislators , we have a duty to protect public health and, in particular, the health and well-being of our children. Consumption of energy drinks has been steadily increasing in Ireland. The 2024 evaluation of the sugar-sweetened drinks tax reported a jump from 30 million l in 2020 to 40 million l in 2023. These drinks now represent 10% of all carbonated drink consumption in this country.”
“I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after “That” and substitute the following: “Seanad Éireann resolves that the Public Health (Restriction on Sale of Stimulant Drinks to Children) Bill 2025 be deemed to be read a second time this day 18 months, to allow sufficient time for examination of evidence of public health concerns relating to such substances, and scrutiny between now and then by officials in the Department of Health in conjunction with the proposing Senators.” Fianna Fáil welcomes the discussion on this issue. I thank Senator Keogan for bringing this before the House. In our election manifesto Fianna Fáil pledged to introduce restrictions on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, including a ban on their sale to children.”
“I request that the Minister come before the House for a full debate on this issue. We need to address the gaps in the breast care pathway for younger women and ensure that our healthcare system is supporting early detection.”
“These women are doing exactly what we are asking of them, being proactive, vigilant, and taking ownership of their health, yet they are often being sent away to wait a further six months for a scan. That is six months more with a lump in their breast. If it is cancerous, it is six months more for it to grow and develop. If it is benign, it is six months living under a cloud of uncertainty and fear. That is unacceptable, but I see it as being easily addressed. Until recently, I really was not aware of the extent to which young women were experiencing this and I consider myself as someone who has their finger on the pulse when it comes to breast cancer. They are being sent home without being scanned despite doing everything right. I find that deeply concerning and I call for urgent action.”
“In general, in order for a GP to refer a young woman to a breast care clinic, the lump must have been present for eight weeks. Following the referral, it can take up to four months for her appointment to come through. That is potentially six months of waiting from the time when she first detects the lump to when she is sitting in the breast care clinic. Incredibly, after all that, she may be sent away without even a scan. I am not talking about mammograms because they are not the appropriate first step for younger women, but there is no ultrasound either. What is the purpose of these appointments? I cannot understand how a system built around the principle of early detection saving lives functions like this.”
“On 2 April, I tabled a Commencement matter regarding what I believe is a systemic failure in how our healthcare system is responding to young women in their 20s and 30s when they are referred by GPs to breast care clinics with the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. We are constantly delivering a clear message to women that they should know their own normal and that early detection saves lives. We promote this through workplace talks, school programmes and public awareness campaigns, a number of which I have personally been involved in. The message has been consistent and clear but it is being completely undermined by a system that is supposed to support these women when they act on the advice they have been given.”
“I thank the Minister of State. I will continue to wear a helmet as I drive my car around the area. All joking aside, I do not feel that reinstatement is happening to acceptable standards. We are putting in very nice roads, which are like a patchwork quilt. I will follow up on this with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and chase up the utility companies and local authorities about certain areas. From what I can see, even from my journey to work today, reinstatement is substandard and not acceptable.”
“What official agreements are in place for road and footpath reinstatement after works carried out by utility companies? Are there specific standards that must be adhered to and, crucially, who is responsible for enforcing these? This issue deserves proper scrutiny, so I propose that an audit be carried out in respect of the reinstatement works done by utility companies. Being parochial, this audit should begin with Tallaght. It is time we took a closer look at the standard of works and issued instructions, where necessary, to correct substandard reinstatements.”
“I understand that timeframe in this regard is approximately six months, but I would welcome some clarification on the exact obligation involved. Just last week, I drove from Tallaght village to my mother's house. It is a really short trip that takes barely two minutes when traffic is light. For a brief moment, I honestly felt like I was riding a horse, not driving a car, because the road was so bumpy. I counted no fewer than 18 poorly reinstated sections along the short stretch of road in question. It is not an isolated case. On my way to work this morning I passed another patch of road that has been in poor condition for a considerable period. All of this makes it hard not to question whether the utility companies will return to complete the permanent works required or if their standards are far below what is acceptable.”
“I thank the Minister of State for attending. What prompted my raising this matter is something that many of us have likely experienced, namely seriously poor road services. To be clear, I am not talking about general wear and tear or the occasional pothole; I am referring specifically to roads and footpaths that have been dug up by utility companies to carry out necessary works, which is understandable, but that are then left in a patchy, uneven and basically unacceptable state. From what I understand, when a utility company opens up a road or a footpath, it is required to reinstate it; initially with a temporary surface and then, after a settling-in period, works to ensure a complete and permanent reinstatement must be carried out.”
“I would also like to acknowledge my party colleague, Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, who, on behalf of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, hosted an Oireachtas tea day yesterday. It was a lovely morning filled with plenty of cups of tea, cakes and traditional music. I encourage everyone to participate in tea day events, whether by hosting or attending a gathering or simply raising a cup in support. I would also like to ask the Minister to revisit opening hours of daycare centres, some of which have not returned to their pre-Covid opening hours. They provide a vital service to patients and carers and I would appreciate the Minister commenting on this.”
“This year, the campaign has been supported by singer Daniel O'Donnell, who recorded a special rendition of Shunie Crampsey’s song "Times Change, Nothing Lasts Forever" in memory of his late mother-in-law who lived with dementia. His tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the personal impact of this condition and the importance of community solidarity. As I drove to work this morning, I listened to an interview with Daniel where the song was played and I have to say it brought to a tear to my eye. For anyone else who listened to the interview and heard the song, I am thinking of you today. I will read out the first line of the song as it really sums up Alzheimer's disease. It is: There is a chair there by the window where she spends most of her time And it is hard to say, if anything, just what's going through her mind.”
“I wish to highlight the significance of the Alzheimer’s tea days taking place across Ireland today. Now in its 31st year, this national event, organised by the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland, brings communities together over a cup of tea to raise vital funds and awareness for the 64,000 people living with dementia and their families. The funds raised today support essential services, such as daycare, home care, dementia advisers and a national helpline, which are lifelines for many families navigating the challenges of dementia. I wish to personally acknowledge the staff of Rose Cottage Day Care in Tallaght, where my dad attends daycare. He absolutely loves it. It not only benefits him but also my mother, who is his primary carer.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response. I appreciate his acknowledgement of the urgency of this matter. When the marketing authorisation is granted, I would really appreciate it if we could work together to ensure that this product gets onto the Irish market quickly. I would like to see it fast-tracked by whatever means necessary. I personally cannot look at a video of a child who is able to walk now and watch the time pass by. We need an all-hands-on-deck approach to make this medication available in the most urgent fashion and I would really appreciate that commitment from the Government.”
“I would like to push for a similar turnaround time given the impact time has on the eligibility of patients for this treatment. If you are looking at your child who has been diagnosed with this, you are looking at a clock. Givinostat does not cure DMD; it slows its progression. It cannot turn back the clock or undo the damage done but it can slow it down, giving these boys more time on their feet without the need of a wheelchair. There is a race against time for these children. I read a press release a few days ago, on 25 April, confirming that the European Medicines Agency, EMA, has recommended a conditional marketing authorisation for Duvyzat across the EU. I would like to know the status on getting givinostat to our Irish patients.”
“In December 2024, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency approved givinostat for use in boys aged six and over. It is currently being provided through the expanded access programme at no cost to patients via local NHS trusts. This drug, however, is not yet in Ireland. Givinostat should have its full EU licence by approximately the end of June. The next step would be that the manufacturer will make a submission for a higher technical assessment with the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, NCPE. In Scotland, which is not very far away, I have been told - and I am open to correction on this - that, as regards the decision-maker similar to the NCPE in Ireland, the turnaround time from submission to availability is about five months.”
“For a child living with DMD, issues, they say, can include struggling to walk, run or jump like their peers, difficulty standing up, delayed speech, needing help to climb stairs and sometimes facing behavioural or learning challenges. As the disease progresses, most children will need a wheelchair by the time they are 12. Some will develop scoliosis. By their mid-teens, many experience heart complications and, by their late teens or early 20s, breathing problems often emerge, making the condition life-threatening. There is, however, a glimmer of hope in the form of a new drug called givinostat. It is marketed as Duvyzat and it offers a breakthrough. It has been shown to slow the progression of muscular degeneration in those with DMD. Clinical trials have met both primary and secondary endpoints, demonstrating its effectiveness.”
“I want to be clear I am no expert on Duchenne muscular dystrophy or DMD as it is commonly referred to. However, since a young boy from Tallaght was diagnosed with this condition, I have come to understand the immense challenges faced not only by the patients but by their families as well. From what I gather - and I am open to correction on this - treatment options in Ireland are limited to not much more than steroids and a wheelchair. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive neuromuscular disease that causes the weakening of muscles over time. It affects almost exclusively boys, with symptoms typically appearing between the ages of one and three. In Ireland today, around 110 people are known to be living with DMD. Most of them are under the age of 18. In the UK, approximately 100 boys are born with the condition each year.”
“It is long gone now, but to this day people my age and older still speak fondly of it. You were not really from Tallaght if your mam did not bring you there to get your confirmation outfit. A shop is not only a shop. It is where people go to buy their bread and milk but it is also where people chat, meet the neighbours, share news and form friendships. Let us be clear. Not to fiercely protect our retailers and retail workers would be to abandon something truly vital to our economy, but even more so to our sense of community. Let us stand up for those who stand behind the counters. Let us ensure our streets and shops are safe and not wait for more videos, closures and heartbreak before we act.”
“They offer a connection. If someone does not come in for a few days it does not go unnoticed. If someone cannot make the trip to the shops then a pint of milk might just be delivered to their door. That is what community means and we are risking losing it. Just yesterday, when I was scrolling through Instagram I was horrified by a video by a young Dublin business owner. She made the devastating decision to shut down her premises, not because of sales or footfall, but because she no longer felt safe. Her staff were being escorted to and from work by their partners and they had witnessed violence outside the shop. This is not how our retail workers should be forced to operate. It is just not right. Let me bring Senators back to the 1980s in Tallaght. The Tallaght Town Centre was right in the village.”
“I commend my colleague, Senator Fitzpatrick, on bringing forward this Bill. The truth is simple. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, on the street, and in their place of work but that sense of safety is under threat. It has already been mentioned today that Ireland now has the highest level of retail crime, per capita , in the world. I will let that sink in. Retail crime costs us an estimated €1.62 billion every single year. This is not just a statistic; these numbers represent real businesses, real jobs and real communities that are under pressure. In my area of Tallaght, I can name several businesses that are the backbone of our community. The local shops in Glenview sit in the heart of the housing estate. They are a friendly place where people drop in for their essentials, but they offer something more.”
“As we approach this year’s event, on 10 May, I encourage all Members and citizens to volunteer, participate and support, or simply reflect on the importance of mental health awareness and community solidarity.”
“Following their loss, Johnny channelled his grief into action, co-founding Darkness into Light. He had an unwavering commitment to community service, particularly in Tallaght, where he served as an athletics coach for over five decades. I ran around the 30 Acres on several occasions under the instruction of Johnny. It exemplifies the spirit of resilience and compassion. In recognition of his contribution, Johnny was honoured with a national volunteer award in 2019. His legacy endures, not only through the continued success of Darkness into Light but also through initiatives like Ireland’s first Bench of Hope, unveiled at Malin Head in 2022, serving as a place for reflection and connection.”
“I acknowledge the profound impact of Darkness into Light and pay tribute to one of its founding figures, the late Johnny Fox, a man I am very proud to say I knew. He was a Tallaght man and he definitely contributed to my childhood and made me the person I am today. He was a significant influence during my childhood. Since its inception in 2009, Darkness into Light has grown from a modest gathering of 400 people in the Phoenix Park to a global movement with over 100,000 participants in Ireland and abroad last year. The annual walk symbolises the journey from despair to hope and raises vital funds for Pieta House. These funds have facilitated over 52,000 hours of therapy and support for more than 600 families bereaved by suicide. Along with his wife Gertie, Johnny transformed personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for countless others.”
“I call on the Minister for Health to make a statement on the status of givinostat being made available to Irish patients because without this option, 110 people will continue to suffer.”
“In December 2024, givinostat was approved by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for people with DMD aged six and older. The drug is now available through the early access programme, with local NHS invited to participate. The programme allows for medication to be provided to patients at no cost. However, despite the approval of this drug, it has not yet been made available to patients throughout Ireland. As we reflect on the struggles of those living with DMD, we must acknowledge the urgency for accessing this life-changing treatment, givinostat. Every moment counts for a child like Archie and it is crucial that we advocate for them so that they can also have the chance to benefit from these advancements in medical care.”
“However, there is a drug called givinostat, which, if given the opportunity, could help halt the progression of DMD in little Archie's body and in other children affected. For those unfamiliar with the symptoms, a child with DMD may have difficulty walking, running or jumping, struggle with standing up, experience delayed speech development, be unable to climb stairs without support and face behavioural or learning difficulties. Givinostat is a relatively new drug that works to slow down the progression of muscular degeneration in individuals with DMD. While it cannot undo the damage done, it can significantly slow down the progression when administered. One of the cruellest aspects of DMD is that people are racing against the clock.”
“Duchenne muscular dystrophy, DMD, is a progressive neuromuscular disease that causes muscle weakening. It is the most common lethal genetic disorder diagnosed during early childhood, primarily affecting young boys. Worldwide, one in every 3,500 baby boys is born with DMD, with symptoms typically starting between the ages of one and five. Here in Ireland, approximately 110 people are known to be living with DMD, the majority of them under the age of 18. These young children face tremendous challenges, including difficulties standing up, walking, running or even climbing stairs. DMD is a disease I had no knowledge of until a young boy from Tallaght, Archie Ennis, was diagnosed. Watching his parents and the community come together to try to raise €3.2 million for gene therapy in the United States has been truly heartbreaking.”
“I would like further comment from her on that and further discussion on it because that whole piece is simply unacceptable. It cannot continue. I thank the Minister of State.”
“I welcome HIQA's movement on this. I hope the Government does the right thing and lowers the age for breast cancer screening to 40 and informs women on their breast density. However, with the systematic failures I have outlined where younger women were sent away from a breast care clinic, I do not feel I have received an answer. Generally, when a doctor refers a woman the lump has to be in her breast for eight weeks. She can then have a four-month wait before getting a breast care clinic appointment. That four-month wait means the patient has been six months waiting. If she waits another six months for a scan, that means she has waited a year. When cancer gets to stage 4, it is not going to be cured. I would like that to go back to the Minister.”
“Early detection saves lives, and we must continue to prioritise that message through both policy and practice. Diagnostic screening for younger women presenting with signs of breast cancer is essential and must be faster and more efficient.”
“Thankfully, her lump was not cancerous, but the emotional stress experienced while waiting on the scans was simply unnecessary. Quite simply, when a woman in her 20s or 30s has an appointment at a BreastCare clinic, she should automatically have a scan on that day. No woman should have to walk around with a lump in her breast for six or seven months wondering and worrying, especially after having sat in the BreastCare clinic. Ziva and Muireann have been left feeling let down, asking what if they had been scanned earlier. We need to move with the times. Cancer occurrences are increasing and younger women are being diagnosed more frequently. A screening programme offered to woman from the age of 40 is essential. Let women decide if they want to avail of it.”
“Six months passed and Ziva was still waiting on this promised scan. The pain in her breast concerned her so much that she pushed for her scan. When she finally got it, her cancer had progressed to stage 4. Ziva did all the right things, but she was let down by a systematic failure. Muireann McColgan, who is 37, was 31 weeks pregnant when she expressed concerns. It was a midwife who urged her to seek a second opinion. When she originally presented, she was told that she was too young and that lumps and bumps during pregnancy were to be expected. Ziva and Muireann are not isolated cases. I recently contacted a hospital on behalf of a 23-year-old girl who had waited over six months for her scan after attending a breast clinic. There was a family history.”
“On that day, I underwent a mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy. His caution saved my life. Early detection saves lives. I cannot say it enough. It is a message ingrained in our mindset, thankfully, due to the increased awareness and education surrounding breast cancer. However, if a woman is in her 20s or 30s, she may follow all the advice given, checking her breasts, knowing her normal and going to her GP if she finds something, but sometimes she is told not to worry because she is too young. Even when a woman is referred to the BreastCare clinic, she may be examined and sent home with the promise of a scan. Take the case of Ziva Cussen, who was just 21 when she was referred to the BreastCare clinic by her GP. She was told not to worry and that she would be sent an appointment for a scan.”
“We need to be informing women if they have dense breasts, something that could easily be added to the BreastCheck screening service given that a mammogram identifies breast density, leaving women with an understanding that different methods of screening may be needed for them for accurate results. This too is already done in the US, Canada, France and Australia. It is vital that women of all ages check their breasts, know their own normal and attend their GP if they are concerned. The message that early detection is vital in the fight against breast cancer is being communicated strongly and consistently. In 2013, when I presented to my GP with a lump, although he thought I was too young to have breast cancer, he had the good sense to exercise caution and referred me to the breast clinic at St. James's.”
“I thank the Minister of State for attending the Seanad. Over the course of our lives, it is estimated that one in seven women will develop breast cancer. Each year in Ireland, there are approximately 3,600 new cases and around 23% of diagnosis occurs in women under the age of 50. Currently, BreastCheck is offered to women aged 50 to 69. I am aware that following submissions, including mine, HIQA is reviewing the expansion of the BreastCheck programme. What is the status of this review? Looking beyond Ireland, we can learn from other countries' national breast screening programmes. Austria, for example, recommends starting screening at age 45, with an opt-in option available from age 40. In Iceland, Sweden, Türkiye and, further afield from Europe, Australia, national screening programmes are offered to women over 40. We need to be next.”
“For the information of Senators, the combined speeches of the proposer and seconder shall not exceed 16 minutes. All other Senators will have six minutes. I call Senator Pauline Tully to move the motion.”