Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful for the opportunity to read into the record the reply of the Minister, Deputy Harris, who unfortunately cannot be here today. I welcome the opportunity to speak about funding in respect of Purple House Cancer Support in Bray.

Purple House Cancer Support is a registered charity which provides support to those living with and beyond cancer. Groups such as Purple House emphasise quality of life after cancer treatment. I am aware that Purple House plays an important role in supporting patients who have received a cancer diagnosis, particularly in regard to the provision of information, assistance and psychosocial supports. The HSE provide grants to health agencies and other organisations, including through national lottery funds. I understand that Purple House receives ongoing financial support from the HSE. However, it raises the majority of its money through fundraising.

In recent years, great strides have been made in regard to treatment outcomes of cancer patients. My Department is very focused on improving the quality of cancer care through the reorganisation and expansion of services. We have moved from a fragmented system of care to one that consolidates cancer treatment in larger centres, with multidisciplinary care and decision making. We recently launched the national cancer strategy 2017-26. The overall vision of the strategy is that together we will strive to prevent cancer and work to improve the treatment, health and well-being, experiences and outcomes of those living with and beyond cancer. There will be particular emphasis on reducing the cancer burden, providing optimal care, maximising patient involvement and quality of life and enabling and assuring change.

Purple House Cancer Support contributed to the cancer patient forum which was established to provide a patient input to the development of the strategy. It is expected that survival rates will continue to increase due to a combined approach of screening, early detection and improved treatment. Indeed, the recently published annual report of the National Cancer Registry records a further increase in cancer survival rates with overall five-year cancer survival now standing at 61.1% for all tumour types. There are now over 160,000 cancer survivors in Ireland and it is our aim to maximise the quality of life of these people so that they can return to a normal life as soon as possible.

The Minister for Health has made it clear that he wants to see the roll-out of services to support people living with and beyond cancer as part of the cancer strategy. I understand Purple House has made a submission in respect of this which is currently being considered. The Minister is in contact with Purple House and recognises the valuable role of voluntary organisations like it in supporting patients throughout their cancer journeys.

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