88 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress of the cancer and cardiovascular strategies; the likely beneficial impact of such strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5693/02]

The cardiovascular health strategy, Building Healthier Hearts, launched in July 1999, sets out the blueprint for tackling heart disease in Ireland in the long-term. The overall aims include: reducing the risk factor profile in the general popu lation; detecting those at high risk; dealing effectively with those who have clinical disease, and ensuring the best survival and quality of life outcome for those who recover from an acute attack.

To date a total of €46.71 million has been allocated to the funding of the implementation of the strategy. Almost 300 additional posts were filled by the end of 2000 while a further 500 were planned for 2001. These include health promotion officers to provide guidance on smoking cessation, nutrition and physical activity across a range of settings; community and hospital nutritionists; nursing staff in the community and hospitals; technicians essential to the diagnostic service, and cardiac rehabilitation staff including co-ordinators and physiotherapists.

With regard to progress to date on health promotion, a national media campaign Ireland needs a Change of Heart, which includes an all island physical activity campaign, Get a Life, Get Active and other health promotion campaigns such as NICO, an anti-smoking initiative, were developed and launched. On 28 February 2001, I announced Government approval for the drafting of a public health and tobacco Bill to give effect to the proposals in the policy document Towards a Tobacco Free Society. At regional level, a broad range of service developments and initiatives occurred in the areas of smoking cessation, nutrition, physical activity and dissemination of good practice.

With regard to primary care, there was the introduction of nicotine replacement therapy to GMS patients from April 2001. From the launch of nicotine replacement therapy to November 2001, 33,289 prescriptions have been issued to medical card holders at a total cost of €1 million. Discussions on the implementation of the pilot phase of the programme for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in general practice with all stakeholders are now at an advanced stage. It is hoped that agreement will be reached shortly. At regional level, funding has been used for the purchase of training equipment, defibrillators and ECG transmission equipment, and training has been provided for general practitioners, practice nurses and other community based staff on areas such as brief intervention techniques for patient counselling, information technology and life support.

89 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will introduce a campaign for men's health particularly highlighting the increased incidence of prostate cancer and giving details of preventative measures. [5873/02]

98 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the claim made by a leading consultant urologist (details supplied) that a national screening programme for prostate cancer could result in saving men's lives; his plans for such a national screening programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5771/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 98 together.

The National Health Promotion Strategy 2000-2005 sets out a broad policy framework for the development of health promotion. The strategy contains a number of strategic aims and identifies a range of objectives which are required to enhance the promotion of men's health. The national health strategy also recognises this need and calls for the establishment of a working group to develop a men's health policy. A consultation process will commence shortly with a view to identifying all relevant stakeholders. In December 2001, €320,000 was announced by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, for the Irish Cancer Society to support a study of prostate cancer, including diagnosis.