Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 217: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether despite the money invested in the health system by her Department, it has not invested a sufficient amount to implement its cancer strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5567/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The aim of the National Cancer Control Strategy, which was published in June 2006, is to reduce our cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality rates relative to other Member States of the European Union. This Government is committed to investing significantly in the implementation of the Strategy. I have made available an additional €20.5m this year for cancer control. This is an increase of 74% on the comparable 2006 investment and includes €3.5m to support the initial implementation of the HSE National Cancer Control Programme. The Programme will manage, organise and deliver cancer control on a whole population basis. It will have a strong emphasis on prevention and early detection, integrated across primary, hospital, supportive and palliative care. The Service Plan of the HSE for this year sets out the detailed deliverables of the Programme. This includes the establishment of the leadership team to implement the Programme, including the Director of the Programme and key medical leaders at network level.

Evidence based population based screening programmes are an essential element of the Strategy. I established a National Cancer Screening Service Board on 1 January this year. It takes over responsibility for BreastCheck and the Irish Cervical Screening Programme. The total allocation to the new Service is €33m, a 71% increase on the funding available in 2006. This includes €8m for the roll out of the national breast screening programme to the West and South which will commence this Spring and €5m to commence the roll out of a national cervical screening programme later this year. The Service will also advise on the implementation of a national colorectal screening programme, specifically on the population to be screened, at what intervals screening should take place, and the requirements for a quality assured and well organised cost effective symptomatic service.