Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
585. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the funding that has been given to the Hereditary Cancer Model of Care in 2023; the expected funding for each year of implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32211/23]
View answer586. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if multi-annual funding will be provided for the Hereditary Cancer Model of Care; what funding will be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32213/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 585 and 586 together.
This Government’s commitment to the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is evidenced by significant investment in recent years. New development funding of €20 million was allocated to cancer services in 2021 and a further €20 million was allocated in 2022. This funding has supported investment in cancer services, including:
• Recruitment of staff to cancer genetics services.
• Development of GP referral guidelines for breast family history.
• Completion of a needs assessment for those with a BRCA gene alteration.
• Development of online training for health care professionals delivering mainstreamed BRCA testing, i.e. genetic testing embedded in oncology services.
• Recommendations on universal tumour testing in certain types of cancer for possible Lynch Syndrome, an inherited condition which causes people to have a higher risk of developing certain colorectal cancers.
The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) launched its Hereditary Cancer Model of Care in June 2023.
Funding for current expenditure, including cancer services, is allocated on an annual (single-year) basis through the Estimates process with future levels of funding considered as part of the national estimates and budgetary process. Decisions on the funding of cancer services are being made in the context of the Estimates process for 2024.
There is no multi-annual funding for current expenditure. However, I am aware that there has been a discussion paper published by the Department of Public Expenditure that highlights the benefits of introducing multi-annual funding and discusses the possible future introduction of it for the Garda Síochána vote.
I acknowledge that there are potential benefits of introducing multi-annual funding to improve planning over a multi-annual horizon on a more structured/sustainable timeframe than a single year. However, there currently exist a range of legislative barriers to the introduction of such a funding mechanism for current expenditure on health services.
The position is different in relation to capital expenditure where the National Development Plan sets out the longer-term investment plan over multiple years.
