Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
1147. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the key measures taken to improve cancer care during 2025; her priorities for same in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72565/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding of €27.4 billion has been allocated to the health service for 2026, an increase of 6.2%. Next year, a new approach is being taken to funding allocation with health budgets being devolved to the HSE regions, giving them greater autonomy to meet local needs while holding them accountable for ambitious targets and national standards.
The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) will continue to lead on service design nationally and the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy. The NCCP also monitors performance and works closely with the regions to ensure the delivery of safe, effective cancer services.
I am continuing to work towards the delivery of multi-annual budgets in health over the coming years. Capital investment already operates multi-annually and it is a priority for me to introduce this across all areas of the budget.
Since its launch in July 2017, the Government has allocated €105 million to the National Cancer Strategy to support cancer services and improve outcomes for patients. Since then, very significant progress has been made in improving cancer services. There are now over 220,000 people living with or beyond cancer, 50% more than a decade ago.
One in two people are expected to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. We are seeing tremendous advances in cancer care and I am committed to ensuring that patients can take advantage of these developments. Work will begin shortly on an evaluation of the Cancer Strategy which will inform the development of a new strategy next year.
