I was present at the launch of the Tallaght Hospital/Trinity College Colorectal Screening Programme Annual Report 2009. Minister Mary Harney did not attend and I was disappointed at the comments made by her representative, who reminded us, as if needed, that we were in a recession and the continuing screening programme would be dependable on future funding from the HSE. He went on to tell us that the cancer unit would be removed from Tallaght Hospital and in the future treatment would be carried out at St James Hospital.

The cost of implementing this screening programme compared with the cost of long-term primary healthcare in terms of hospital bed nights and ongoing treatment for patients who are diagnosed in the later stages of bowel cancer speaks for itself.

Tallaght Hospital is already a hospital of excellence in a location that could not be more suitable for the continuance and after-treatment of bowel cancer. One speaker reminded us that Professor Colm O'Morain was recognised all over the world. The work that goes on in Tallaght Hospital has not gone unnoticed, other than by this government.

Meanwhile, over 205 colonoscopies have been carried out under the interim screening programme and lives have been saved by Professor O'Morain and his wonderful team at Tallaght Hospital and Trinity College. If you are between the age of 50 and 74 years and live in the Tallaght area you should participate in this study by calling the hospital and having a home-test kit sent out to you. If you are not in the Tallaght area then you should contact Mary Harney and ask her why the service is not available to you.

Tom Fennelly,

37 Killakee Green,

Firhouse,

Dublin 24