Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
529. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health when the successor to the National Cancer Strategy 2017–2026 will be published; the current stage of its development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54474/26]
View answer530. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the consultation process that will be undertaken in developing the next National Cancer Strategy; which patient organisations and stakeholders will be invited to participate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54477/26]
View answer531. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health whether childhood, adolescent and young adult (CAYA) cancer will continue to be recognised as a distinct priority within the next National Cancer Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54479/26]
View answer532. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the measures being considered in the next National Cancer Strategy to improve survivorship services for childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer patients, including psychosocial supports, management of late effects and quality-of-life outcomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54481/26]
View answer533. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in publishing the successor to the National Cancer Strategy 2017–2026; whether an interim plan will be put in place if the current strategy expires before a new strategy is published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54483/26]
View answer534. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health whether a steering group or advisory committee has been established to oversee the development of the next National Cancer Strategy; if so, the membership of that group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54484/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 529, 530, 531, 532, 533 and 534 together.
The Government is committed to the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy, supported by the reforms and investment delivered under Sláintecare. We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy since its launch in July, 2017.
My Department has invested heavily in the National Cancer Strategy and associated initiatives in recent years, enabling the further development of our national cancer services and leading to improved outcomes for cancer patients.
National Cancer Registry of Ireland data shows substantial progress being made to control the four major cancers (prostate, breast, lung and colorectal), with mortality rates falling or stabilising for each. These comprise over half of all invasive tumours (not including rarely fatal non-melanoma skin cancers).
It is essential that we continue to build on our investment and progress. As the current National Cancer Strategy comes to its conclusion, an evaluation on the current National Cancer Strategy will be carried out later this year. The evaluation will be carried out by working closely with key stakeholders such as the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland. Stakeholders also include patients and their families, healthcare professionals, government agencies, research institutions, advocacy groups, and the pharmaceutical industry, among others.
The conclusion of this evaluation process will inform next steps to be taken.
