Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I very much look forward to the European Commission publishing its report and the recommendations in that regard. It is important we lead out in respect of those recommendations. I accept there is a cost factor and also an issue with recruiting people to deal with any changes that are brought about, but if we have a screening programme, we will save a great deal of money in the long term. The Minister of State mentioned the three screening programmes that are in operation, and it is important we talk positively about them. There has been much adverse coverage of the way some issues have been managed, but we are getting good results and identifying issues at an earlier stage. The public information aspect is very important, and we should focus in all areas of cancer on the essential signs and the reasons people need to go for checks. I ask that that be taken on board seriously by the Department.

I look forward to the report of the advisory council with a view to going forward with new screening programmes, not least in respect of lung and prostate cancer.

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