Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am dealing with this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter of funding for East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support, which is based in Ballinasloe, County Galway. The need to address survivorship care for those living with and beyond cancer is now recognised internationally. Groups such as East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support emphasise the importance of quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

People living with cancer can require lifelong, evidence-based healthcare. This is both preventative 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 these needs. Under the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026, our services for patients have undergone significant transformation and improvement. This has included the publication of a psycho-oncology model of care, and the development of the first national survivorship programmes. These are implemented in local communities by community cancer support centres. The strategy recognises the importance of links between volunteer and community organisations and cancer treatment services to ensure patients and their families have adequate support. The Government has invested an additional €50 million into cancer treatment and screening services under the national cancer strategy. Total cumulative additional funding under this strategy since 2017 is more than €300 million. This funding has enabled the recruitment of over 670 staff to our national cancer services since 2017, including an additional 200 nursing staff, 100 consultants, and 180 health and social care professionals in designated cancer centres.

There are more than 215,000 people living in Ireland following a diagnosis of invasive cancer. The national cancer control programme, NCCP, has progressed survivorship programmes to support improved quality of life for cancer patients. As part of this, the NCCP established the alliance of community cancer support centres, providing guidance and support to centres which, in turn, provide psychosocial supports to cancer patients and their families in the community. The NCCP operates an activity-based funding model for organisations that are full members of the NCCP alliance of community cancer support centres and services. In 2024, the Minister for Health secured €3 million in funding for community cancer support centres that are full members of the alliance.

East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support was set up in 2012. It provides a network of psychological, emotional and practical support for those diagnosed with cancer. Fund-raising is integral to the continued service provided by the centre and other such services. I am advised that the organisation has received small grant aid funding from the HSE’s NCCP in 2021, 2022, and again in 2023. East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support is currently an associate member of the alliance. The centre has indicated it will apply to undergo self-assessment and peer review under the NCCP best practice guidance this year, with the aim of attaining full membership of the alliance.

The Minister welcomes the opportunity to discuss funding for cancer support centres and encourages the East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support organisation to continue its engagement with the NCCP on becoming full members of the alliance. Cancer support services throughout Ireland are invaluable to those they support. The Government recognises the valuable work done by the staff and volunteers at cancer support centres throughout Ireland. As I said, more than 215,000 people have come through cancer treatment. It is extremely important that people get every possible support.

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