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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

525 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the survival rate for cancer in the UK will soon compete with the best in Europe following a decision to target resources of ?110,579,046 million per year, rising to ?723.75 million for cancer services by the year 2003-04; his views on whether a budget of ?103 million since 1997 in this country is sufficient having regard to the fact that one in four deaths result from cancer; if he intends to increase resources for the battle against cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20050/02]

As the Deputy is aware, since the implementation of the national cancer strategy, over €103 million has been invested in the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. This level of investment far exceeds the £25 million requirement which was initially envisaged under the national cancer strategy. Among a range of other initiatives, this investment has enabled the funding of 76 additional consultant posts in key areas such as medical oncology, radiology, symptomatic breast disease, palliative care, histopathology and haematology, together with support staff. This year a total of €27.3 million was provided for the maintenance and development of cancer services. This includes the provision of €23.55 million which was allocated between all health boards for the continuing development of oncology services, including funding for oncology drug treatments.

I am committed to the provision of additional cancer services and decisions in relation to this will be considered in the context of the Estimates process in 2003. In recognition of the need to further develop cancer services, the national health strategy has identified a requirement for the preparation of a revised implementation plan for the national cancer strategy. The national cancer strategy 2003-10 is currently being prepared by the National Cancer Forum in conjunction with my Department. The new strategy will set out the key areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services over the next seven years and will make recommendations in relation to the organisation and structure of cancer services nationally. This will have regard to existing policies in the areas of symptomatic breast disease and palliative care and the forthcoming recommendations of the expert review group on radiotherapy services. The forum is currently in discussions with the ERHA and all health boards in relation to the future development of cancer services, including how best to organise these services.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

526 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties created for many cancer patients as a result of having to travel long distances to Cork or Dublin for radiotherapy; if he will consider the establishment of radiotherapy facilities around the country with St. Luke's Hospital acting as a flagship radiotherapy centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20051/02]

As the Deputy is aware, I established an expert working group on radiotherapy services to examine the further development of radiotherapy services in this country. The work of the expert group will be completed shortly and will be published on completion. The provision of additional services for radiotherapy treatment will be considered in the context of the report of the group.

In recognition of the need to further develop cancer services, the National Health Strategy has identified the need for the preparation of a revised implementation plan for the national cancer strategy. The national cancer strategy 2003-10 is currently being prepared by the National Cancer Forum in conjunction with my Department. The new strategy will set out the key areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services over the next seven years and will make recommendations in relation to the organisation and structure of cancer services nationally. This will have regard to existing policies in the areas of symptomatic breast disease and palliative care and the forthcoming recommendations of the expert review group on radiotherapy services. The forum is currently in discussions with the ERHA and all health boards in relation to the future development of cancer services, including how best to organise these services. A public consultation process is also under way.

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