Cancer research funding and coordination
Cosgrave asked about Exchequer funding, research bodies, coordination and international links. Haughey cited Medical Research Council and National Science Council allocations, alongside voluntary contributions; remaining questions were to receive written replies unless retained.
asked the Minister for Health the level of funding from the Exchequer for cancer research in this country; and if he is satisfied with the adequacy of this contribution.
38.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Health the bodies engaged in cancer research in this country; the co-ordination that exists between them; and their relationship with international organisations.
Comment on this
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I will take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.
The major part of Exchequer funds used for cancer research is included in the total grant from the Minister for Health to the Medical Research Council. In 1977 the council allocated approximately £142,000 of this grant to cancer research. In that year the council also received a grant of £4,500 for cancer research from the National Science Council. In addition voluntary contributions for cancer research amount to over £120,000 in a year. In the face of many competing priorities, I believe that the Exchequer has made a significant contribution to the finance for research on cancer.
The bodies which are mainly engaged in cancer research are the Medical Research Council and St. Luke's Cancer Research Laboratories. In addition, cancer research is carried out by a number of research workers in a number of locations. The work which they are doing and the results of their researches are well publicised and co-ordination is not a problem. A survey of the work being done in this field has been carried out by the Irish Association for Cancer Research and in view of the Deputy's interest in this question, I will arrange that a copy of the report of this survey is sent to him.
Irish researchers keep up to date with international developments in their field of work. They are represented on the major international organisations such as the World Health Organisation and the Union of International Cancer Control.
