Dr. Jerome Coffey:

I accept entirely the Deputy's point and the points made earlier this morning. Research must be prioritised. It was not possible to prioritise it ten years ago because there were so many other higher priorities. Given where we are now, however, it is absolutely essential that we do it. The criteria for cancer centres must include a research unit. Patients must be given access to such units and there must be staff there to deliver the research. In terms of when the public can expect to see change in that regard, we have had a number of engagements over the last year and since the publication of the strategy on how to do this. We have had engagements with the Irish Cancer Society, the Health Research Board, HRB, and Science Foundation Ireland, SFI. We now have a research and knowledge programme within the HSE which is a significant step forward. Before the end of this year we will have a research group, terms of reference, members and a plan for the future. I would like to get that done before the Estimates process and service planning for next year begins.