James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she is confident that the interim head of the National Cancer Control Programme (details supplied) is receiving full co-operation from the Health Service Executive in view of reports of correspondence released under Freedom of Information between the person and the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6950/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The correspondence referred to by the Deputy dates from over a year ago. Professor Keane, who took up his post as Interim Director of the National Cancer Control Programme in November 2007, has made immense progress in implementing the programme since his appointment. This progress would not have been possible without the co-operation of HSE staff at all levels.

The transfer of breast cancer diagnosis and surgery into eight designated cancer centres is almost complete and only four institutions still await the transfer of these services to a specialist centre. Also in 2009, funding has been provided to develop rapid access diagnostic clinics for lung and prostate cancers. The transfer of other site-specific cancers to the eight centres will also begin in 2009, with the focus this year on brain tumours, pancreatic cancer, major head and neck reconstructive surgery and rectal cancer surgery.

As Interim Director, Professor Keane is ably supported by an excellent team of HSE staff in the NCCP. The Department and the HSE will continue to work closely, as they have been doing, with Professor Keane and his staff to implement the programme including the targets for 2009 as outlined above.