The Health Minister Leo Varadkar has announced a team of international experts to evaluate Ireland's current national cancer strategy.
The team will evaluate the current strategy, and also provide advice for the next one.
Mr Varadkar has met with the team as they begin a week of meetings with a broad range of stakeholders during their visit to Ireland.
The group is made up of Professor Pádraig Warde from Ontario, Professor Alison Richardson of Southampton and Professor Harry de Koning of Rotterdam.
All three are internationally recognised experts in the field of cancer.
Mr Varadkar said "We are delighted that this group of distinguished cancer experts has agreed to evaluate our current cancer strategy and I extend my sincere thanks to them."
"Their research and advice will be invaluable in drafting the next national cancer strategy. I look forward to receiving their report," he added.
The evaluation process is the first step in developing a third national cancer strategy to run from 2016, and will be followed by a consultation process.
The current approach set out in 'A Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland' was formulated in 2006.
The main challenges facing Ireland during the 10 year period of the new strategy are likely to be minimising the increase in cancer numbers, bringing services for cancer treatment on a par with the top international performers and maximising holistic recovery among cancer patients.