Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

All-Island Cancer Research Institute: Discussion

2:00 am

Professor Gerry Hanna:

We have three asks. The first would be to align our strategy, our implementation of that strategy and the clinical protocols around the strategy. It is about making sure that we try to align our practices in that way. First, we need the strategic bit and the implementation and delivery beyond that. The alignment would be the first thing.

The second ask is for an investment in clinical trials and research. We know it is very cost effective. It is a brilliant way to share data across jurisdictions and it is fantastic for patients. It is also brilliant at retaining staff, improving morale and all the things we have talked about. We need to pledge far more fundamental investment to clinical trials and research.

The third ask is specific, and I have mentioned it a few times. It is the need to consider an all-island proton therapy unit for the treatment of childhood cancers. That is a specific ask. It is almost a crime that we do not have such a thing.

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