asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken by the Government to recognise and promote 1989 as Cancer Awareness Year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

183.

asked the Minister for Health the proposals he has for 1989 in relation to European Cancer Year.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 183 together. I have established a national co-ordinating group to plan and oversee activities for 1989 which will highlight the cancer problem in Ireland. The group includes representatives of my Department, the Department of Labour, the Irish Cancer Society, the Irish Heart Foundation, General Practitioner groups, An Bord Altranais and the Department of Education.

The group are preparing a programme of activities which aims to focus public attention on cancer during 1989. This programme will include elements dealing with each of the ten points in the European Cancer Code. Activities under this programme will include a new public information campaign, conferences on various cancer related topics, a school programme and a mobile cancer education unit among others. The full details of the programme will be announced publicly in January.

I hope that the outcome of this co-operative programme in 1989 will increase public awareness of risk factors for cancer and that this will ultimately lead to a reduction in the incidence of cancer.

I thank the Minister for that comprehensive reply. This subject has been so taboo that many people refuse to refer to it by name. May I ask the Minister if the public information campaign will emphasise the degree to which cancers are treated and curable in view of the general public perception of cancer at present?

That certainly will be one of the issues addressed. I will bring the Deputy's comments to the attention of the national co-ordinating committee. The aim, as the Deputy is aware, of the European Year for Cancer is to try to reduce the incidence of cancer by 15 per cent by the year 2000.