Vol. 470 No. 7
84 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health whether institutions such as the Foyle Hospice in County Derry, which provides a service to many parts of Donegal, have been consulted in relation to the development of a national cancer strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19782/96]
85 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health the groups which have contributed to the development of the national cancer strategy. [19783/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 85 together. As part of the preparation of a national cancer strategy, I set up a cancer strategy group last year to advise me on the future direction of services. The cancer strategy group held wide-ranging consultations with many organisations and received written submissions from a number of them. The organisations consulted included the relevant professional bodies with an interest in all aspects of cancer, as well as individual haematologists, radiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists. The group also consulted organisations such as the Irish Cancer Society, the Irish Countrywomen's Association and Turning Point. While discussions were not held specifically with the Foyle Hospice, the group met two representative bodies interested in hospice care — the Irish Hospice Foundation and the Irish Association for Palliative Care. I have taken full account of the recommendations of the cancer strategy group views in drawing up the national cancer strategy. I hope to be in a position to publish the strategy in the near future.
