Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2020
314. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the total funding to be allocated to cancer services in the HSE Winter Plan 2020-2021; the way in which the funding will be allocated within cancer services in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37575/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Winter Plan commits to the restoration of cancer services to 95% of 2019 capacity. A sum of €2.35m was allocated in the Winter Plan and a further €12m was allocated s part of Budget 2021 to achieve the 95% restoration.
With physical distancing and associated precautionary measures, it will not be possible in the short-term to get cancer services fully back to pre-Covid levels. The challenges arising will be exacerbated by the number of patients who would normally have presented earlier coming forward in the next few months, on top of the increasing numbers arising more generally in line with demographic factors.
The €14.35m will support essential cancer services across such areas as diagnostics, surgery, medical oncology and radiation oncology, as well as vital support services for cancer patients.
