Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

As long as the individual uses the screening process, which would normally mean approximately ten or 11 screenings during the course of her lifetime, it will prevent 95% of cervical cancers. This is the medical reality, although the Opposition would like to distort it in its own political self-interest.

We are living through extremely challenging economic times and the Government has had to make difficult budgetary choices. Despite this, the Government has been able to make a total additional allocation of €15 million to the national cancer control programme in 2009. With this funding, the National Cancer Control Programme will focus on developing high-quality services to combat lung and prostate cancers which together account for more than 2,000 deaths annually.

Early presentation and speedy access are critical to improve outcomes for patients. This is the reason the cancer control programme is so crucial. It will establish rapid access diagnostic clinics for lung and prostate cancer. Patients with symptoms will be referred to the nearest designated cancer centre for diagnosis so their treatment will be fast and effective.

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