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 €3.5m 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. I wish to see the appointment of a Director as soon as possible and my Department is in discussions with the HSE to expedite such an appointment.