Written Answers. - Cancer Research Funding.
Theresa Ahearn
Ceist:
487
Mrs. T. Ahearn
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
the funding, if any, provided in his Department for cancer research; the areas to which this funding is directed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[1946/00]
Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen): The national cancer strategy identifies research into cancer as one of the key areas for investment in order to combat this disease. Under the terms of the action plan for the implementation of the national cancer strategy total funding of £320,000 has been granted in respect of four years 1997-2000 inclusive to the Health Research Board for cancer research. When deciding on the projects to fund, the national cancer strategy indicated that the emphasis should be on infrastructural co-ordination and that projects to be funded would be multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary in nature. These criteria are applied when the health research board awards grants. In addition to the funding allocated under the national cancer strategy, my Department has provided funding to the amount of approximately £320,000 through the Health Research Board for cancer research in 1999. The allocations for 2000 have yet to be made.
The recently 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 research. In addition a North-South official working group on cancer research, with representation from my Department, has now been established under the structures for co-operation being put in place under the Good Friday Agreement.
Furthermore, the health promotion unit of my Department supports an extensive range of initiatives, a number of which have an impact on the levels of knowledge and awareness of the risk factors associated with many cancers. The unit also supports the production of information materials relating to cancer.
I wish to assure the Deputy of my continued commitment to the further implementation of the national cancer strategy and measures aimed at reducing the incidence of this disease.
