The Independent TD for Mayo, Dr Jerry Cowley, has criticised the Government's system of "health apartheid" in relation to screening for breast cancer.
Dr Cowley says that he is "totally disgusted" at the failure by the Minister for Health and Children, Mr Martin, to honour his commitment to extend the BreastCheck programme to the south and west of the State.
The BreastCheck board submitted a plan to the Minister's department almost six months ago which would extend the service nationwide, but so far no action had been taken.
A provision of €6 million in the Budget would have been required to back it up, Dr Cowley says, and he intends to organise a campaign to highlight the issue.
Breast cancer kills 650 women in Ireland every year, but 130 lives could be saved if the programme was extended nationally, he said.
