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

I very much agree with her in respect of the number of people diagnosed with cancer who have come through treatment. They need support. The Department of Health and the NCCP are committed to working with cancer support services. This will ensure that various programmes and services are appropriately developed and made more widely available to those who need them. The current National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 is the third such cancer strategy in Ireland. These successive strategies have shown the benefit of continued investment in national cancer services. It bears repeating that this Government has shown its commitment to implementing the national cancer strategy through significant investment in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Voluntary cancer support centres are key in providing psychological and psychosocial support. It is important that the development of dedicated survivorship programmes continues to enable patients to maximise their quality of life.

Through the important work of the voluntary cancer support services and the implementation of the national cancer strategy, we can have a profound effect on the quality of life for many people who are living with a cancer diagnosis. Locally-based psychological, emotional and practical support is vital for the best outcomes for patients. I recognise the invaluable input of the volunteer drivers, and there are many of them throughout the country, the fundraisers who put their heart and soul into fund-raising for those centres, and everyone supporting services for cancer patients.

Once again, the Minister welcomes the opportunity to discuss the funding for cancer support services and encourages East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support to continue to engage with the NCCP and the HSE on funding opportunities in future. I agree that all these services provide valuable support to patients and their immediate families. The immediate families also go through trauma, concern and stress during the time people are under care and treatment. I will raise the issues the Deputy outlined directly with the Minister.

See this speech in context