Vol. 419 No. 9
107 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the higher number of paediatric cancers diagnosed in recent years; if there has been any suggestion as to what is causing such cancer, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the higher number of paediatric cancers diagnosed in recent years to which the Deputy refers. However, this increase is due to improved methods of diagnosis and detection as a result of the introduction of greatly improved radiology and other techniques. There is no evidence of an increase in the incidence of any particular type of paediatric cancer.
The Deputy may wish to note that a new oncology unit (costing £1.7 million) opened last year in Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin and I have recently approved an additional medical oncologist post for the hospital together with 15 support staff. The additional funding for these posts has also been approved.
