Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 November 2025
150. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health if financial advice can be provided to cancer patients to make them aware of entitlements available to them during and after treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64446/25]
View answerMaximising the quality of life of those living with and beyond cancer is one of the four pillars of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026.
Recommendations in the current Strategy aim to further survivorship supports and services in cancer care in Ireland. This includes the establishment of psycho-oncology services, provision of treatment summary and care plans, and the development of survivorship programmes.
The HSE National Cancer Control Programme established the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres (CCSC) in 2022, an initiative aimed at developing a collaborative framework for community-based cancer services. The Programme for Government commitment to the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres is demonstrated through dedicated funding and the operational framework provided by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP). This includes a €5.5 million allocation to support survivorship programs, community services, and integration with national cancer services.
There are a number of resources available for patients to access financial advice:.
• The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) collaborates with the Irish Cancer Society to establish "Life and Cancer - Enhancing Survivorship" (LACES) workshops in designated cancer centres since 2021. These workshops allows patients to access quality information on topics such as diet, exercise, wellbeing, finance, and self-management while directing them to further supports to empower them and enhance their quality of life. The NCCP encourages patients to attend the workshops so that they can get the value of signposting to other services. More information on the LACES workshops can be found here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/profinfo/survivorship-programme/laces%20programme.html
• The Cancer Thriving & Surviving (CTS) programme was launched in 2021 by the National Cancer Control Programme. The CTS programme is designed to help patients rebuild a sense of confidence and a chance to learn self-management skills when moving on from cancer treatment back into work, school, and everyday life. More information on the CTS programme can be found here: www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/profinfo/survivorship-programme/cts.html
• The Irish Cancer Society also runs its Daffodil Centres, which are a walk in service for any member of the public who is affected by cancer. Their Cancer Nurses can support patients and provide them with a wide range of advice and supports including advice on financial and practical supports. More information on Daffodil Centres can be found here: https://www.cancer.ie/our-services/our-daffodil-centres
