Vol. 557 No. 4
360 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to introduce a national prostate screening programme; and if he will make a statement on the fact that a recent study by the Construction Workers Health Trust found that such a programme would save lives. [22553/02]
Since 1996 over €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 cancer forum in conjunction with my Department is currently preparing a new national cancer strategy 2003 which 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 sub-group of the national cancer forum has been established on generic screening. This sub-group is currently reviewing all issues relating to screening, including looking at specific diseases such as prostate and colorectal cancer. The sub-group has consulted with the construction workers health trust in the process of this work and the group's recommendations will inform the development of the new national cancer strategy 2003.
