Duncan Smith
Question:34. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will commit to funding the National Cancer strategy in full in Budget 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19397/24]
View answerThursday, 2 May 2024
Questions (34)
Written answers
As Minister for Health, I have supported the National Cancer Strategy with substantial funding of €50m on for national cancer treatment and screening. There has been over €300m in cumulative additional funding for cancer treatment services allocated to the Strategy since 2017. This funding has enabled the recruitment of more than 670 staff to our national cancer services since 2017, including an additional 200 nursing staff, 100 consultants, and 180 health and social care professionals in designated cancer centres. This means that our national cancer services have been strengthened, that more patients are receiving treatment, and that waiting times to access treatment are reduced.
We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy over the past six years, with clear evidence-based policy direction from my Department and strong implementation by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) data shows substantial progress being made to control the four major cancers (prostate, breast, lung and colorectal), with mortality rates falling or stabilising for each. These comprise over half of all invasive tumours (not including rarely fatal nonmelanoma skin cancers).
The implementation of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 is a Government priority and continued improvements in cancer services will be driven by both my Department and the NCCP. Priorities for 2024 will include the further centralisation of cancer services which has a direct impact on positive outcomes for patients, and the implementation of models of care for areas such as medical oncology and psycho-oncology, which ensure continuity of care and support for cancer patients and their families.
As with all areas, funding for the National Cancer Strategy, is considered as part of the yearly Estimates process. Decisions on future funding of the National Cancer Strategy will be made in the context of the upcoming Estimates process for 2025.