Mr. Donal Buggy:

On the question of outcomes for cancer, when we first organised cancer into ten-year strategies in 1996 outcomes for cancer in Ireland were the worst in western Europe. We are now mid-table, and we have got there by implementing ambitious cancer strategies, which shows that the ten-year process strategy works. In comparison to other countries, Denmark, Norway and Austria have better outcomes for cancer than we do. We can, through the implementation of this strategy over the next ten years, achieve the target of getting from mid-table to the top quartile of cancer outcomes in Europe. That is the prize available if we choose to invest in this particular strategy. We should make that choice to invest in the research, the services, the co-ordination and the networks required to deliver world-class cancer care.

The other point raised concerned genetics. Genetics and genetic services are a challenge. Funding is not available to support comprehensive genetic services. I am aware of services in St. James' Hospital, but they were suspended last year because the symptomatic numbers coming through overwhelmed that system. There is leadership in that area, but we have to put funding behind it. Another issue is access to preventative surgery once one has been brought though those genetic services. If one requires preventative surgery can he or she access it? It is considered elective at times.

A question on cancer prevention and education was asked. Cancer prevention has been one of the areas of progress in terms of this strategy and the development of a cancer prevention network and a cancer prevention function within the NCCP. That is vital because, as Ms Power said, four in ten cancers are preventable. Over the course of this strategy over 100,000 people will get a cancer which is preventable through changes in lifestyle. Unfortunately, the changes we make now will not be seen for 20 or 30 years, but unless we act now cancer rates will double by 2045, as predicted.