Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for highlighting such a serious case for the child and her family. I am taking this question on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

Scientifically advanced machines such as PET-CT scanners play a significant role in the diagnosing of cancers and other conditions. A PET scan shows how tissues and organs are functioning by detecting radioactive tracers that can show up parts of the body where cells are more active than normal. A CT scan provides detailed images of the body’s internal structure. These scans can give medical professionals more information about where the cancer is and if the cancer has spread to other tissues and organs. Together, they help doctors diagnose, stage and monitor diseases like cancer with greater accuracy.

Children’s Health Ireland, CHI, has advised that PET-CT scans are very accessible for children and young people with cancer in Ireland. CHI has advised it has a service level agreement with the Blackrock Clinic to provide paediatric PET-CT scans. CHI notes the service provided by the Blackrock Clinic is fast, efficient, and comprehensive. These scans are then read by CHI radiologists. CHI and the national cancer control programme confirmed all children and adolescents who need a PET-CT scan receive the service in Ireland, with the majority receiving scans in Dublin at the Blackrock Clinic and some receiving scans in Cork.

This Government is committed to improving cancer care, ensuring better prevention and maintaining improvements in cancer survival rates and timely access to treatments. Survival rates for patients have improved greatly and OECD data shows cancer mortality rates in Ireland are falling faster than the EU 27 average and faster than our economic peers. Since 2017, significant funding of €105 million has been invested in the national cancer strategy, including €23 million in 2025. Since the beginning of the strategy in 2017, over 670 staff have been recruited to our national cancer services, including 200 nursing staff, 100 consultants, and 180 health and social care professionals in designated cancer centres. Funding in 2025 will support the recruitment of 179 additional staff in the national cancer screening and treatment services.

The national cancer control programme launched A Framework for the Care and Support of Adolescent and Young Adults (AYA) with Cancer in Ireland 2021-2026 in May 2022. The aim is to achieve accessible and equitable cancer care for all adolescents and young adults in Ireland.

A dedicated adolescent and young adult cancer service network, made up of four designated cancer centres, has been designed. These hospitals are CHI at Crumlin, St. James's University Hospital, Cork University Hospital and University Hospital Galway. The national cancer control programme has also developed and launched the national model of care for psycho-oncology services for children, adolescents and young adults with cancer. This model of care focuses on supporting children, young adults and their families with the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis. I thank the Deputy again. If he wants to give me more information and details on this, I will definitely bring it back to the Department of Health.

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