BREAST cancer is the biggest killer of women in Ireland, accounting for an estimated 650 deaths annually, the Minister for Health said.

Mr Noonan said in June a total of 141 beds were closed, representing 1.1 per cent of the total bed complement of 12,777. A further 276 beds were closed in July and another 288 beds in August. In the peak holiday month of August, therefore, a total of 705 beds were closed.

Asked by the Fianna Fail spokeswoman on health, Mrs Maire Geoghegan Quinn, when it would be put in place, the Minister said he hoped to put proposals to the Government next month and make an announcement shortly after that. But the timing depended on the Government's decision, and there were, obviously, financial implications.

The aim of screening was to detect breast cancer at an early stage, when it was amenable to treatment, before it had the chance to spread. Medical evidence had shown that mortality could be reduced by up to about 25 per cent in women who received screening and that the benefit was greatest in women aged between 50 and 64.

Mr Noonan said a major factor affecting the success of a screening programme was the establishment of a population register, which would reach over 70 per cent of the target population.

However, there were difficulties under current data protection legislation in obtaining names and addresses from existing data sources, such as the VHI and the Department of Social Welfare of women who should be offered screening.

Following discussions with the Department of Justice and the data protection commissioner, and advice from the Attorney General, he was satisfied the matter could be resolved by a minor legislative amendment under the health acts. He was giving this immediate priority, he added.

Mrs Geoghegan Quinn said the full range of services should be available outside the capital.