Vol. 524 No. 6
230 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if the finalised published report on the development of services for symptomatic breast disease by the National Cancer Forum has become available; if it has been circulated to the chief executive officers of the health boards; the recommendations he has made either of refusal or acceptance of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23599/00]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have received the report of the Sub Group of the National Cancer Forum on the Development of Services for Symptomatic Breast Disease and have circulated it widely. I have considered this report, and while having taken no final decisions on its implementation, I accept the broad thrust of its recommendations. However, I feel that some further refinements are needed in relation to implementation arrangements at local level. In this regard, I established an advisory group, chaired by Professor Niall O'Higgins, St. Vincent's Hospital, to assist and liaise with health boards in formulating their plans for the development of specialist breast cancer services. I am confident that the development of symptomatic breast disease services which will result will greatly enhance the quality of the services currently available to the women of Ireland.
