Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Health and Children to give details of the implementation programme for the national cancer strategy. [29593/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Strategy for Cancer Control published last June encompasses all aspects of cancer, including prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, supportive and palliative care. My objective is to develop an integrated cancer control programme based on:

evidence of what works to prevent and treat cancer

standards that assure quality in all aspects of cancer control and

fairness, so that all patients, irrespective of county, region or personal financial means, can be assured of the best cancer care.

Our efforts to prevent cancer will include societal and public policy responses to reduce smoking and alcohol misuse and improve diet and exercise. I have written to the Minister for Finance on fiscal measures to reduce the consumption of tobacco. Heads of a Bill are being prepared for consideration by Government to regulate the use of sunbeds, including prohibiting their use by those under 16.

I will shortly establish a National Cancer Screening Agency to amalgamate BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme (ICSP) to deliver both programmes nationally. BreastCheck will commence national roll-out next year. It is my goal to have the ICSP rolled out nationally by 2008, based on an affordable model. The Agency will also advise in relation to a colorectal cancer screening programme.

The Health Service Executive is establishing a National Cancer Control Programme. A Programme Director, at national level, will be accountable for all HSE cancer control activities. A single national budget for all cancer control activities will be developed. The Programme will facilitate national standards for equity and access and will maximise ambulatory care. The HSE will establish four Managed Cancer Control Networks to deliver the Programme. Clinical leaders in oncology will be appointed to lead the delivery of quality multi-disciplinary care nationally and at network level.

My Department is working closely with the HSE and the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) in implementing the national plan for the development of radiation oncology services agreed by Government in July 2005. The NDFA has assembled a team to progress the financial and procurement aspects and the HSE has appointed a Project Manager and support team. Two additional linear accelerators will be delivered at St. Luke's Hospital Dublin by Autumn of next year. I have approved the HSE's proposals to construct interim facilities comprising of four linear accelerators and associated treatment planning at St. James's and Beaumont Hospitals. The HSE expects to commence services by early 2009.

I have established a National Quality Assurance Group for Symptomatic Breast Disease to develop an agreed set of guidance for the interdisciplinary management of breast cancer. My Department will, in consultation with the Interim Health Information and Quality Authority, further progress the Strategy recommendations on accreditation, quality guidelines, information and health technology assessment. I intend to invest substantially in cancer control based on the reform programme I have outlined.