Vol. 559 No. 5
269 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he proposes to allocate greater funding for prostate cancer research; the funding which was made available in the past three years for such research; and the groups to which the funding was allocated. [26359/02]
Since 1997 over €103 million has been specifically targeted for the development of cancer services under the national cancer strategy. An additional sum of €29 million is being allocated in 2003 for cancer services. This year the Minister for Finance made available a grant of €320,000 for the Irish Cancer Society to support a study of prostate cancer, including diagnosis.
In recognition of the need to further develop cancer services, the strategy has identified a requirement to prepare a new strategy for the period 2003. This plan is currently being prepared by the National Cancer Forum in conjunction with my Department. It will set out the key areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services.
As part of this work a sub-group of the NCF has recently been established on generic screening. This multi-disciplinary group is currently reviewing all issues relating to screening, including examining specific diseases such as prostate and colorectal cancer. The group's recommendations will inform the development of the new national cancer strategy 2003.
