In February this year the first all-Ireland cancer network was launched under the auspices of the Ireland-Northern Ireland-National Cancer Institute cancer consortium. Its principal role will be to initiate and co-ordinate clinical trials in cancer hospitals in both parts of the island. The Department has demonstrated its support by investing significant resources in this trilateral programme. Under this scheme, awards to the value of €3.5 million have been made available to allow hospitals to recruit and train staff, improve facilities and take part in world class clinical trials. I express my gratitude to the United States' National Cancer Institute for this tremendously innovate research development and the interest it has taken in this jurisdiction as part of the peace process.