John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 180: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the data that is kept on the cancer register; if it includes the areas where a person grew up and the place at which they live; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29807/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The National Cancer Registry has statutory responsibility for the collation and analysis of data on incidence and prevalence of cancer in Ireland.

My Department has, therefore, asked the director of the National Cancer Registry to investigate the matter and reply directly to the Deputy.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 181: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the procedure a person can follow if they discover a cancer cluster in their area; the person they should contact to carry out an investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29808/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The health board or authority in the area in which the cancer cluster is suspected to exist is responsible for investigating the existence of such clusters. Statistical and epidemiological protocols have been devised to assist in the evaluation of small-area clusters. I understand this investigation would draw upon information sources such as the National Cancer Registry, HIPE data of local relevance, death certification and other sources which may be available locally. Anyone with concerns in relation to cancer clusters should bring the matter to the attention of the public health department of the health board-authority in their area who would consider the matter and initiate an investigation where appropriate.