Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
664. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the aspects of the Hereditary Cancer Model of Care that will be progressed in 2026; the funding that will be required to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13897/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) Hereditary Cancer Model of Care aims to enhance equity of access to genetic services for individuals and families at increased risk of cancer due to inherited predispositions.
There are six thematic areas under this Model of Care. Each of these has made good progress with the following actions under each theme planned over the coming 12 months:
Thematic Area 1: Establish oversight for the implementation of the Hereditary Cancer Model of Care. Under this area the HSE will agree areas for collaboration with the National Genetics and Genomics Office, agree an overarching governance framework for hereditary cancer service and report on progress in implementation.
Thematic Area 2: Development of networked services and Multi Disciplinary Teams (MDTs). In 2026, work will be progressed to define the process(es) by which genetic counselling services can be networked and made accessible regionally. The NCCP will also develop standardised pathways to national specialist cancer genetics MDTs for both adults and Children, Adolescent & Young Adults (CAYA).
Thematic Area 3: Healthcare professional education and training. The HSE aims to develop an accredited online programme to meet the minimal learning needs of staff working in regional services.
Thematic Area 4: Clinical guidance and pathway development. The HSE will agree the guidance development and approval process, in line with HSE policy, including guidance on laboratory testing.
Thematic Area 5: Patient Information and supports. Work will be progressed to establish subgroups for the development of patient information, according to common presentations and cancer predispositions. Work will also be progressed on developing platform(s) through which patient information can be most easily accessed.
Thematic Area 6: Data Requirements and IT Infrastructure. Work in this area will involve examining potential data capture options with the National Cancer Information System and agreeing the minimum datasets for common presentations and cancer predispositions.
With regards to funding to support this work in 2026, the NCCP has recommended the allocation of a number of National Service Plan 2026 service development posts, to further progress implementation of the Hereditary Cancer Model of Care. These included an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (BRCA) at St James’s Hospital; a Consultant Medical Oncologist (special interest in Genetics) at St Vincent’s University Hospital; two Grade V administrative support posts for cancer predisposition services and a number of Senior Psychologist posts to focus on services for those with a genetic cancer predisposition.
Funding for new service development posts under NSP 2026 has been allocated to HSE Health Regions.
