John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is deeply disappointing that the Minister is not here himself. What we do not need is backslapping and congratulating of Purple House for the fantastic work it does. The community in Bray and the greater area knows exactly the fantastic work it does. What it needs is actual financial support from the Government. The HSE hospitals are referring cancer patients back to Purple House. It is bursting at the seams. It wants to be able to focus on the excellent work it does providing care, guidance and counselling services, rather than struggling to keep its doors open with people out shaking buckets on the street.

Unfortunately, we have a non-response from the Minister. I have been in consultation with the HSE and it is now saying that it is waiting on the national cancer control programme, NCCP, to come back with recommendations as to what will be rolled out in terms of funding for cancer support groups. Only at that stage will funding for Purple House be considered. It is going to be at least 12 months and more likely two to three years before there is any recommendation because they are waiting on the appointment of a clinical lead. That appointment has to be made before any recommendations, deliberations or discussions can even take place.

In the Minister's absence, perhaps the Minister of State can relay to him that what we need in the HSE service plan for 2018 is specific funding for Purple House. Can I get that commitment? Short of that, can we at least get interim funding to sustain Purple House over the next 12 to 24 months or however long it takes for the recommendations to come from the NCCP? It is not fair that organisations such as Purple House have to rely on voluntary contributions or bucket shaking. Can I have a more detailed, comprehensive response and more clarity from the Minister?

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