Vol. 556 No. 4
185 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to extend the health screening service to include men with prostate and gland problems; and if he will extend the age limit over 64 years, as requested by the Irish Senior Citizens' Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20769/02]
Since 1996, more than €103 million has been invested in the development of cancer services under the National Cancer Strategy. In recognition of the need to further develop cancer services, the National Health Strategy has identified the need for the preparation of a revised implementation plan for the National Cancer Strategy. This plan is being prepared by my Department in conjunction with the National Cancer Forum and will set out the key areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services over the next seven years. As part of this work, a subgroup of the National Cancer Forum has recently been established on generic screening. This group is currently reviewing all issues relating to screening, including looking at specific diseases such as prostate and colorectal cancer. The group's recommendations will inform the development of the new National Cancer Strategy 2003.
