Vol. 557 No. 6
163 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proportion of the additional ?29 million which he has announced will be allocated to the South-Eastern Health Board; the plans regarding the allocation to the South-Eastern Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23023/02]
Since the implementation of the national cancer strategy, more than €103 million has been invested in the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. This level of investment far exceeds the £25 million requirement which was initially envisaged under the national cancer strategy. Among a range of other initiatives, this investment has enabled the funding of 80 additional consultant posts in key areas such as medical oncology, radiology, symptomatic breast disease, palliative care, histopathology and haematology, together with support staff.
As the Deputy is aware, an additional sum of €29 million is being allocated in 2003 for cancer services, including cancer services in the South-Eastern Health Board area. This investment will ensure that next year we continue to address increasing demands in cancer services in such areas as oncology-haematology services, oncology drug treatments and symptomatic breast disease services. Decisions in relation to the allocation of this funding between health boards will be made shortly.
In recognition of the need to further develop cancer services, the national cancer strategy, 2003, is being developed by the National Cancer Forum in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children and will set out the key investment areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services over the next seven years.
