Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 June 2024
226. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the plans to extend the national cancer strategy, which has two years remaining to run; and the measures in place to address the €180 million cumulative funding shortfall in the national cancer strategy as reported by an organisation (details supplied) in its report this week. [27567/24]
View answerSuccessive national cancer strategies have shown the benefit of continued investment in national cancer services. The benefits for Irish cancer patients come from earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved rates of survival. This Government's commitment to the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is evidenced by significant investment in recent years. Progress on implementing the Strategy has been driven by clear, evidence-based policy direction from my Department and strong implementation by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
Since 2017, there has been an additional investment of €456 million in cancer services, including €81 million on cancer prevention, screening and treatment; €316 million spent on cancer medicines; and €59 million on cancer research grants through the Health Research Board. I have allocated substantial funding of €50 million for national cancer treatment and screening services over the years 2021 to 2023. In the same period, I have allocated additional €98 million for new medicines, facilitating the introduction of 61 new cancer medicines .
Capital funding of more than €120 million has provided state-of-the-art radiation oncology facilities in Galway and Cork and updated cancer infrastructure in chemotherapy wards and lab facilities for the benefit of patients. A further €20 million has been invested in the new national cervical screening laboratory.
The funding since 2017 has enabled the recruitment of more than 670 staff to our national cancer services. This includes an additional 200 nursing staff, 100 consultants and 180 health and social care professionals in designated cancer centres. Taken as a whole, this represents a significant investment in the implementation of the aims of the national cancer strategy and providing improved access to cancer care for patients in Ireland.
