Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that money has been allocated to commence the process of establishing a bowel cancer screening programme to be rolled out in 2010; the money that has been allocated in Budget 2009 for this preparatory work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45503/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The 2009 budget for the National Cancer Screening Service is being considered at present and the question of funding for colorectal screening will be examined in that context.

The Service established an Expert Group on Colorectal Screening to prepare advice on the introduction of a national colorectal cancer programme, specifically on the population to be screened, at what intervals screening should take place, the type of test required and the requirements for a quality assured and well organised cost effective symptomatic service. The report of the Expert Group was submitted to me last week.

The Service has also requested the Health Information & Quality Authority to conduct a Health Technology Assessment on a colorectal screening programme. I expect this to be completed early next year, at which stage I will consider the matter further.