Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1509. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health whether he has received correspondence from community cancer support centres requesting sustainable funding at Government level to permit them to continue to provide their service; what actions he is taking on foot of this request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37221/23]
View answer1523. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to respond to serious concerns raised by a local charity (details supplied) in relation to the future provision of their services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37285/23]
View answer1530. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if there are any plans to increase funding for cancer support centres including an organisation (details supplied) in Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37320/23]
View answer1700. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his response to the serious concerns being expressed by those organisations providing cancer support services in Carlow and Kilkenny regarding the delivery and sustainability of the vital services they offer because of the lack of State funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38070/23]
View answer1801. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied); the engagements he has had with a named organisation in relation to the same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38680/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1509, 1523, 1530, 1700 and 1801 together.
Community cancer support centres are voluntary and charity organisations delivering services directly to cancer patients and their families. These centres provide a range of services, including information and advice about cancer, psychological and emotional support, and survivorship programmes to patients during and after their cancer treatment and are invaluable to those they support. These services can be availed of free of charge and in local communities.
The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 acknowledges cancer support centres as a valuable resource, providing access to support to cancer patients and their families outside of the acute care setting. The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) works closely with a network of Community Cancer Support Centres, particularly in regard to the psycho-oncology model of care and the implementation of survivorship programmes for those living with and beyond cancer.
The NCCP Revised Best Practice Guidance for community cancer support centres was published in March 2022. The Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres was also established in 2022. The Alliance is a HSE initiative which aims to develop a collaborative framework for community-based cancer support centres and services. This programme promotes participation in capacity-building activities and communication and networking forums aimed at ensuring that community-based cancer support services are integrated.
The NCCP operates an activity-based funding model for organisations who have joined the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres. In order to qualify for an activity-based grant from the NCCP, each applicant needs to be able to show that they are adhering to the Best Practice Guidance. Funding for current expenditure, including cancer services, is allocated on an annual (single year) basis with future levels of funding considered as part of the national estimates and budgetary process.
The Government recognises the valuable work done by the staff and volunteers at cancer support centres throughout Ireland. Through the important work of voluntary cancer support services and the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy, I believe we can have a profound effect on the quality of life of many people who are living with a cancer diagnosis.
My office has received correspondence from community cancer support centres on this matter and a meeting to discuss the issue with representatives of the centres will be held in due course.
