Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 67: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to introduce a prostate screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20693/05]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 70: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the increase in rates of prostate cancer here; the steps taken to ensure that fewer deaths occur from prostate cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20944/05]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 95: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to address the serious rise in the incidence of prostate cancer; if she has plans for the introduction of a national screening service to combat prostate cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20861/05]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider introducing PSA screening following recent reports that there has been a major rise in the number of cases of prostate cancer here in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20891/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 70, 95 and 135 together.

The most recent report from the National Cancer Registry, Cancer in Ireland 1994-2001, highlights an annual percentage change in the age standardised rate of prostate cancer of 6.5% over the period. During the period 1994 to 2000, prostate cancer incidence rates increased in the Republic of Ireland but not in Northern Ireland, while mortality from prostate cancer did not change in either region. The findings have stimulated a cross-Border investigation by the registry into prostate cancer incidence and screening. The new project aims to explore the reasons for these different trends.

A new national cancer strategy is currently being finalised by the National Cancer Forum, a multidisciplinary group of experts in oncology. As part of this work, the forum has reviewed all issues relating to screening, including examining specific diseases such as prostate and colorectal cancer. The forum has also developed criteria against which all future screening programmes will be assessed.

In regard to screening for prostate cancer, I understand that the forum will recommend that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend the introduction of a population based prostate screening programme in this country. This issue should be reassessed when the results are available from randomised control trials currently being conducted internationally.

This position is consistent with the recommendations adopted by the European Union which advocate the introduction of cancer screening programmes which have demonstrated their efficacy having regard to professional expertise and priority setting for health care resources. The proposals do not provide for specific recommendations in respect of screening for prostate cancer.

Appropriate treatment for men diagnosed with prostate cancer is available at major hospitals throughout the country. Any man who has concerns in relation to prostate cancer should contact his GP who will, where appropriate, refer him to the appropriate services in his area.