Regret over incorrect BreastCheck information

THE National Cancer Screening Service contacted Clare county manager Tom Coughlan on Thursday to express its regret for any offence or embarrassment caused by incorrect information provided to Health Minister Mary Harney concerning the council delaying the provision of a mobile screening unit in the county.

Last week in The Clare Champion, the county council denied claims that it had delayed mobile breast screening services for more than 8,000 women by insisting that planning permission was required for the provision of a temporary mobile screening unit in the county.
The council also refuted a charge that it was the only local authority in the country to require planning permission for the temporary location of BreastCheck’s mobile unit.
Minister of State Áine Brady had claimed in the Dáil last week that when BreastCheck sought an appropriate location for a mobile site, it was advised by the county council that planning permission would be required. 
“No other city or county council has ever required planning permission for the temporary location of a mobile breast screening unit. Months of extensive negotiation between Clare County Council and BreastCheck followed,” she said.
She stated that the council recently waived its requirement for planning permission and a suitable site has now been selected on the grounds of the county council allowing the service to commence in the autumn.
However, BreastCheck issued a statement on Thursday confirming that Deputy Brady made the statement in good faith based on information provided to her office by the National Cancer Screening Service, which manages BreastCheck.
“There was an error in the information provided, which suggested that Clare County Council required planning permission for the location of a mobile digital screening unit in Ennis.
“As a result, the impression was given that Clare County Council had been responsible for delays in the provision of breast screening in County Clare.
“BreastCheck wish to confirm that the council is providing a site at its offices in Ennis and it has been confirmed that no planning permission will be required,” a BreastCheck spokesman explained.
A spokesman for the council said it accepted BreastCheck’s apology.