David Cullinane
Question:350. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the cost of fully implementing the cancer strategy; the amount allocated to the strategy to date. [30360/24]
View answerWednesday, 10 July 2024
Questions (350)
Written answers
The implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is a Programme for Government commitment and is part of the implementation of Sláintecare. As the incidence of cancer continues to increase, it is important that we continue to support cancer patients and cancer treatment services.
We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy in recent years, with 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 on cancer medicines; and €59 million on cancer research grants through the Health Research Board. The Government has allocated substantial funding of €50 million for national cancer treatment and screening services over the years 2021 to 2023. In the same period, the Government has allocated additional €98 million for new medicines, facilitating the introduction of 61 new cancer medicines.
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.
Funding for current expenditure, including the National Cancer Strategy, 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.