Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when she will appoint the promised Director of Cancer Control; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12059/07]

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 to build on the improvements we have made in recent years, particularly the improvements in survival in all the major cancers.

The HSE, at my Department's request, is conducting a national needs assessment for cancer control which will set out priorities in the medium term. 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 €3.5 million 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. The main priorities are the establishment of the leadership team to implement the Programme, including the Director of the Programme and key medical leaders at national and network level. My Department is expecting a detailed submission from the HSE shortly which will be considered as a matter of priority in consultation with the Department of Finance.