The Minister for Health is appealing to people to have their say on the country's next National Cancer Strategy, which will run from 2016 to 2025.

This will be the country's third national strategy. The Department of Health is being advised on it by a Cancer Strategy Steering Group, which is being chaired by consultant medical oncologist, Prof John Kennedy, of St James's Hospital.

As part of the development of this new strategy, the public is being asked for its opinions and views on current cancer services, as well as priorities for the future.

"We want to hear the public's views on what works in cancer services, and what can be improved. I encourage everyone interested in the future direction of cancer services to make a contribution," commented Health Minister, Leo Varadkar.

The information from this public consultation will be analysed and these findings will be provided to the Steering Group. The consultation is open to anyone with an interest in this area, including patients, their families, carers, voluntary organisations and health professionals.

Minister Varadkar insisted that this new strategy will ‘set the direction for cancer services for the next 10 years'. He noted that since the last two strategies, ‘the majority of people now survive cancer and survival rates continue to improve'.

"The objective of the third strategy should be to bring Ireland in to the top tier of countries when it comes to cancer care," he commented.

People can submit their views about cancer services and what they would like to see prioritised for the future here. The closing date for submissions is 5pm on July 24.