Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the assurances she will give that the necessary resources will be provided in order to provide the highest standards of diagnosis and care at the proposed eight specialist cancer centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32171/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The objective of the National Cancer Control Programme is to improve survival rates for persons diagnosed with cancer. It was established just over a year ago and the Director of the Programme took up his post last November. The Programme involves moving from the present fragmented system of care to one which is consistent with international best practice. Eight centres have been designated to ensure that patients receive high quality of care while at the same time allowing access to local services, where appropriate.

The success of the Programme depends as much on mobilising existing resources as providing extra resources. However, an additional €7m has been allocated this year to improve breast cancer services in the eight designated centres. This funding has been provided to support additional staff, including Consultant, Radiography, Nursing and clerical posts. Funding has also been allocated for some additional necessary equipment. I can assure the Deputy that the Government will continue to support the development of the cancer control programme in order to improve outcomes for patients.