Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 445: To ask the Minister for Health the funding provided for research into prostate cancer in 2009, 2010 and 2011; his plans for further investment into research into the cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28157/11]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 446: To ask the Minister for Health the funding provided for research into breast and cervical cancer respectively in 2009, 2010 and 2011; his plans for further investment into research into each cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28158/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 445 and 446 together.

Cancer research forms a large part of the research programme in Ireland today. The National Cancer Control Strategy noted that cancer research is an essential component in the development, implementation and evaluation of a National Cancer Control Programme. The Health Research Board (HRB) is the lead agency in Ireland supporting and funding health research and is the main channel of public funding for research at national level. It provides substantial amounts of funding for research into cancer.

Over the last five years, the HRB has provided €20m for projects, programmes and fellowships in cancer research, including applied biomedical research, translation and clinical research, health services research and population health. It is not possible to identify exact funding for specific types of cancer. The very nature of the disease means that research carried out at a molecular and cellular level could be applicable on a very wide range of cancers; hence it is not possible to apportion funding to a specific type of cancer with complete accuracy. However, overall the HRB's annual expenditure on cancer and clinical trials for 2009 and 2010 was €9.4m and €7.3m (respectively) and is projected as €9.1m for 2011.

In addition, funding of almost €19m is being made available for the All Ireland Cooperative Oncology Research Group (ICORG) clinical trials from 2008 - 2012, also through the HRB. Breast cancer studies account for 44% of the total ICORG study portfolio. Genito-urinary (including prostate and cervical cancer) accounted for a further 15% of the portfolio, gastro-intestinal 13% and lung 10%. The ICORG clinical trials are part of the activities under the Ireland–Northern Ireland–National Cancer Institute Consortium, which aim to reduce the incidence and mortality rate for cancer on the island of Ireland.

The HRB has also advised that it has invested €34m towards the development of clinical research facilities in major teaching hospitals, which provide the physical space and the expertise to carry out excellent clinical research in a safe and compliant environment.