Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with all of that. In terms of treatment, the numbers are as follows. The number of patients receiving chemotherapy this year is 95% of the number for 2019. The number of patients receiving radiation oncology in the period from January to August is 85% of the equivalent number for 2019. The equivalent figure for surgical oncology for January to August is 80% of the 2019 figure. Critically, these figures do not include the private hospital activity being used by the public system, so the overall figures are higher. I could not agree with the Deputy more with regard to the need to invest very seriously and very significantly. As the Deputy will be aware, €12 million was made available to restart cancer services to deal with Covid-19. This funding is being used to address backlogs, extend clinic times, provide additional clinics and increase diagnostic capacity. Last year, I allocated €20 million for the national cancer strategy. I am allocating another €20 million for next year.

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