An expert group has been established to draw up a framework for the establishment of a national colorectal or bowel cancer screening programme.
The group, chaired by Prof Niall O'Higgins who is a former president of the Royal College of Surgeons, has been asked to provide an interim report by the end of November.
Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in Ireland with about 1,821 new cases diagnosed and about 930 deaths from it every year.
The incidence rates here are among the highest in Europe. Early detection can result in improved survival rates.
The establishment of a colorectal cancer screening programme was recommended in the national cancer control strategy, which was published last summer.
Now the National Cancer Screening Service Board, which was established in January 2007 to look after all cancer screening, is looking at establishing a screening programme for those at risk of colorectal cancer.
It has established the expert group to advise on how such a programme should be set up.
Tony O'Brien, chief executive of the cancer screening board, said the expert group would provide evidence-based recommendations including a colorectal screening programme for high risk groups and explore the impact of this on existing services.
"The expert group will evaluate available options, clinical and cost effectiveness, including the establishment of an effective, well-organised and quality-assured service."