The National Cancer Registry is the statutory body responsible for collating data on the incidence of and mortality from cancer in Ireland. I have been advised by the Director of the National Cancer Registry that the most recent data for national cancer incidence are for 1998. Analysis of the 1994-98 data by health board area showed that the Eastern Health Board had the highest overall cancer incidence in Ireland. In 1997 analysis was carried out by county. This did not give any statistically significant results. Full details are available in the National Cancer Registry's report, "Cancer in Ireland, 1997". I might give some details on that during supplementary questions.
There has been considerable development in the care and treatment of patients with cancer in recent years. More than £60 million has been invested to date under the national cancer strategy since 1997. This funding has enabled the appointment of 62 additional consultant posts in key areas of medical oncology, haematology, histopathology and palliative care. The two underlying principles of the strategy are to take all measures possible to reduce rates of illness and death from cancer, in line with the targets established in the health strategy, "Shaping a Healthier Future", and to ensure that those who develop cancer receive the most effective care and treatment and that their quality of life is enhanced to the greatest extent possible. Underlying these objectives is the need for a high quality and patient focused service. One of the specific objectives of the strategy is to ensure that all patients have access to an equitable, effective service with a uniformly high quality of care wherever they live.
Cancer is a multifactorial disease and it is vital that our focus is both on the prevention of cancer where possible and on early and appropriate intervention for those who develop cancer. The health promotion unit of my Department supports an extensive range of initiatives, a number of which have an impact on levels of knowledge and awareness of risk factors associated with many cancers. In the context of the national health strategy, I will continue to be advised by the National Cancer Forum on the planning, development and implementation of cancer services for the country. In this context, commitment has been given to the completion by the end of next year of a new implementation plan for the national cancer strategy. My Department will continue to work with the National Cancer Forum and the regional directors of cancer services in identifying priorities for the further development of cancer services in all regions, building on the major progress made to date.