Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this most important issue of the section 39 funding requirements of the Circle of Friends Cancer Support Centre. I also thank and acknowledge the staff and volunteers for the valuable work they do at the centre. The need to address survivorship care for those living with and beyond cancer is now recognised internationally, and groups such as the Circle of Friends Cancer Support Centre emphasise the importance of quality of life during and after cancer treatment. People living can require life-long, evidenced-based healthcare, both preventive and general medical, as well as psychosocial care and care specific to the cancer diagnosis involved. For others, access to support groups can fulfil most of their needs.

Circle of Friends has previously received funding through national lottery funding and from the HSE in 2018. I understand the charity has recently made an application for further funding through the HSE of €98,318, which the Deputy has previously discussed with me. I think it is very impressive that an estimated 1,200 people will avail of the supports that Circle of Friends provides in the Tipperary area.

In 2020 and 2021, cancer services continued to be provided in Ireland during a challenging time for health services globally. The national action plan on Covid-19 identified the continued delivery of cancer care as a priority. Cancer diagnostic and treatment services continued to operate, including breast, lung and prostate rapid access clinics for cancer diagnosis.

In 2021, the Government allocated €57 million to cancer services, with a further €35 million allocated in 2022. This has brought the total allocation for cancer services in the national service plan to €139.2 million. This includes funding provided by the national cancer control programme to cancer support centres across the country.

Hospital and Community-based Psychosocial Care for Patients with Cancer and their Families: A Model of Care for Psycho-Oncology was published by the national cancer control programme in 2020. It sets out how psychosocial support for cancer patients and their families will be developed in Ireland over the coming years. It also recognises the necessity for a comprehensive psychosocial support service that spans acute hospitals, primary care and the community and voluntary sectors.

The national cancer control programme has also developed NCCP Best Practice Guidance for Community Cancer Support Centres to ensure a seamless transition in support between hospitals and the community. This set of guidelines will help to form the foundations on which we can continue to grow and enhance the services offered by cancer support centres across the country. The Cancer Patient Advisory Committee was established in 2019 and meets quarterly. This committee builds on the work of the Cancer Patient Forum and facilitates patient input into the oversight of the implementation of the national cancer strategy.

I welcome this opportunity to discuss funding for cancer support centres and encourage Circle of Friends Cancer Support Centre to engage with the HSE locally on any funding applications or concerns it has. It is evident that people living with and beyond cancer benefit from psychosocial supports, and cancer support centres across Ireland are providing such an important service to those who use and need it. It is important to have supports in one's own locality where possible. Could the Deputy ask the organisation to engage locally? I will speak to the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, and make sure the centre's funding is considered. I am hopeful regarding budget funding considering the centre's work this year to support 1,200 people through their cancer journey.

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