asked the Minister for Health the level of funding from the Exchequer for cancer research in this country; and if he is satisfied with the adequacy of this contribution.
38.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cancer Research.
37.
asked the Minister for Health the bodies engaged in cancer research in this country; the co-ordination that exists between them; and their relationship with international organisations.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I will take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.
The major part of Exchequer funds used for cancer research is included in the total grant from the Minister for Health to the Medical Research Council. In 1977 the council allocated approximately £142,000 of this grant to cancer research. In that year the council also received a grant of £4,500 for cancer research from the National Science Council. In addition voluntary contributions for cancer research amount to over £120,000 in a year. In the face of many competing priorities, I believe that the Exchequer has made a significant contribution to the finance for research on cancer.
The bodies which are mainly engaged in cancer research are the Medical Research Council and St. Luke's Cancer Research Laboratories. In addition, cancer research is carried out by a number of research workers in a number of locations. The work which they are doing and the results of their researches are well publicised and co-ordination is not a problem. A survey of the work being done in this field has been carried out by the Irish Association for Cancer Research and in view of the Deputy's interest in this question, I will arrange that a copy of the report of this survey is sent to him.
Irish researchers keep up to date with international developments in their field of work. They are represented on the major international organisations such as the World Health Organisation and the Union of International Cancer Control.
The remaining questions will all be answered by written reply unless Deputies indicate that they are to remain on the Order Paper in which case they will appear on 31 January 1979.
I want to give notice that I propose to raise on the Adjournment, jointly with my colleague, Deputy Eileen Desmond, the question of the failure of the Government to implement their recommendations in regard to civil legal aid.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I wish to raise the subject matter of Question No. 3, Question No. 4 and Question No. 11 on the Order Paper for 22 November dealing with prisoners and their conditions in England and in Armagh prison. I wish to raise also the subject matter of Questions Nos. 1 and 2 dealing with British withdrawal addressed to the Taoiseach and also his concern expressed or not expressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Callaghan, on the conditions of Irish prisoners in Britain.
Does the Deputy wish to raise all of these questions or one of them?
Any one of them.
Am I right in thinking that the Deputy has been trying to get those questions on the Adjournment for a long time but without much success?
I will continue to do so.
I will communicate with the Deputy during the afternoon.