The Department of Health and Children of Ireland, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety of Northern Ireland, and the National Cancer Institute of the United States Department of Health and Human Services established a multilateral partnership in October 1999 to intensify cooperation in cancer treatment and research that will lead to improved scientific programmes in each country. The goal of the Consortium is to reduce the incidence of cancer in both parts of Ireland, which have among the highest rates of cancer in the Western world. The Consortium is regarded as a major step toward enhancing relations between Ireland and Northern Ireland, bringing both parts of the island together in a common cause. Click here to access the Consortium website.