Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our guests to discuss this important subject. I have taken a particular interest over the years in cancer research, and particularly statistics. The correct statistical information gives an idea where attention should be directed. In recent times, it has not been possible to get this information through parliamentary questions, whereas it had been in the past. Now we are referred to the annual report. The problem is that it is annual. There are no reports on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, for instance. I will engage with the Minister in an effort to change that. I mean no disrespect to the people who compile them, but a report that is over a year old may lack accuracy.

Following on from Senator Burke's questions, have the organisations represented here made comparisons with the outcomes in countries similar to Ireland, which spend more on cancer research, diagnostics, etc., so that we might know what should be done to achieve similar outcomes? They should be better but they may not be.

Various forms of cancer, including melanoma, keep coming up again and again. Early diagnosis is important but, again, public representatives cannot always get information on these on a regional basis. It can be informative to find out the incidence of different cancers. We have been told in the past that it was due to better diagnostics, healthcare or an emphasis on healthcare. Do the witnesses have any information that would be useful?

More could be done on the educational element of cancer prevention. Will the witnesses comment on that in respect of the various forms of cancer? Some types come to mind in particular.

I refer to genetics. I am interested in the extent to which those here have identified the genetic tendency towards cancer. There seems to be solid evidence for that. I am aware of it but would like some more information about the extent to which there can be intervention at a crucial stage in the patient's favour.

I am sorry for going on for so long but I might not get another opportunity. It is fully appreciated that every aspect of the health services suffers from a lack of funding because of the downturn in the economy. We cannot address that all in one go. It is not easy. It has been repeatedly brought to our attention through the HSE that to attract the right staff in the numbers required and to retain them, it must compete with Australia, America and Canada. This is a difficult issue. It is not easy for patients because they will feel they are entitled to the best possible treatment available as soon as it is available anywhere. Patients have experienced trauma because treatments available elsewhere are not available here for various reasons. Perhaps it is because we have been too slow to react or it is due to lack of funding, or there are other reasons. How can the most salient factors be addressed in the shortest time possible?

I refer to the availability and access to research through public and private sectors. To what degree do the organisations represented rely on either the public or private sector?