The National Cancer Forum recently submitted a report to me concerning progress on the implementation of the national cancer strategy during 1998 and 1999.
The report is very comprehensive and clearly sets out what has been achieved in the area of the development of the cancer services in this country since dedicated funding has been channelled into this area. The main elements of the report focus on the following areas: new consultant appointments under the national cancer strategy; the national breast screening programme; cervical/ cytology services; the pilot programme in cervical screening, Mid-Western Health Board; the National Cancer Registry Board; the review of counselling services and the National Cancer Forum.
The report also indicates the level of future funding required for the carry over costs of new developments initiated to date. Additional requirements for areas of cancer services such as radiotherapy, surgical cancer services, symptomatic breast cancer services, development of cancer nursing and education, further developments in palliative care and counselling services are also mentioned in this report. I am considering these areas in the context of the Estimates for 2000.
I am arranging for a copy of the report to be given to the Deputy.