Harney apologises for false breast cancer results

Health Minister Mary Harney has apologised to a woman who was mistakenly given the all-clear for breast cancer by a laboratory at University College Hospital Galway.

The woman, who lives in the mid-west, had two separate biopsy tests in September and March and was incorrectly cleared of breast cancer on both occasions.

The tests were carried out at Barrington's Hospital in Limerick and sent to Galway for analysis.

The false results delayed the woman's treatment by 18 months and doctors say this has left her extremely traumatised.

Ms Harney has ordered an urgent investigation into the matter.