Bernard Allen
Ceist:232 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he has taken to bring about an enhanced co-ordination of the cancer registries here and in Northern Ireland. [22154/99]
Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.
The National Cancer Registry Board and the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry have forged close links, including joint involvement in a number of ventures such as cross-Border epidemiological studies.
The newly agreed memorandum of understanding, which I signed in Belfast on 3 October 1999 with the National Cancer Institute, Washington and the Department of Health and Social Services of Northern Ireland provides for co-operation between Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United States on a number of cancer related issues, including the cancer registries in both parts of this island.
The working group which will facilitate the implementation of this initiative have already held their first meeting and have identified priority areas for development during the first years of the initiative.