Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 October 2024
241. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will accept the recommendations of the National Radiation Therapist Review report; and if he will commit to full implementation of the recommendations on adequate staffing levels to safeguard vital cancer services into the future. [39328/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra251. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his views on a report (details supplied); if he will accept and implement the recommendations of the report; in particular, his plans to fully implement the recommendations on adequate staffing levels to safeguard vital cancer services into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39381/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to acknowledge the incredibly important role of Radiation Therapists in the provision of cancer services in this country.
I welcome the review of the Radiation Therapist profession. This strategic review considered important issues such as organisation structure, career development in line with Health and Social Care Professional Frameworks, strategic workforce planning, and recruitment and retention strategies.
This review has published 16 recommendations which aim to help and support the Radiation Therapy profession into the future.
As the terms of reference for the review state, the implementation of any recommendations from the review will remain subject to the approval from the Departments of Health and Public Expenditure and Reform.
Since 2017, there has been additional investment in cancer services, including €81m on cancer prevention, screening, and treatment; €316m on cancer medicines; and €59m on cancer research grants through the Health Research Board. Seven years into the ten-year National Cancer Strategy, 40 of the 52 recommendations are implemented and the remainder are being progressed.
Capital funding of over €140m has been used to provide state of the art radiation oncology facilities in Galway and Cork, to update cancer infrastructure in chemotherapy wards and lab facilities for the benefit of patients, and as investment in the new National Cervical Screening Laboratory.
New development funding has enabled the recruitment of more than 670 staff to our national cancer services since 2017, including an additional 200 nursing staff, 100 consultants, and 180 health and social care professionals in designated cancer centres. This means that our national cancer services have been strengthened, that more patients are receiving treatment, and that waiting times to access treatment are reduced.
In Budget 2025 I have allocated funding for advanced practice posts for radiation therapists, which will help to advance one of the recommendations of the Review.
