Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response and thank all contributors for their support for the motion. It is safe to say this issue affects every family and community and goes to the hearts of many who have a vested and very personal interest in cancer survival.

I acknowledge Senator Clifford-Lee's concerns about medical cards, which Senator Maria Byrne also raised. It is always difficult where there are thresholds and means tests. That will be looked at in forthcoming budgets. Senator Clifford-Lee also raised income inequality in disadvantaged communities versus affluent communities.That is prevalent in all local regions. It is a particular issue in the west that has been highlighted to me and that is why I included that important point. She also spoke about early screening programmes. Senator Hoey provided personal testimony regarding her late father, lung cancer and early screening. She also mentioned the postcode lottery. Senator Warfield spoke about underfunding of the strategy and vacant posts, notwithstanding the significant level of funding that has been provided and detailed in the Minister of State's piece.

Concerns have been expressed by the Irish Cancer Society about the need for additional funding for vacant posts. Senator Lombard spoke about the need for a European focus on new drugs, sunscreen and the VAT on lotions, skin cancer being the largest killer. Senator Seery Kearney raised that, as well as vaping and sunbeds. Senator Dolan spoke about the very important issue of a cancer centre for the west, which is slowly progressing. There is an overall master plan for the University Hospital Galway campus. As the Senator said, this will not be just for Galway; it is for Roscommon, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal.

Senators McGahon and Seery Kearney spoke about the Leave Our Leave campaign. One would imagine a short Bill could deal with that, something the Minister of State could take up and champion in his Department. If a small change to one piece of legislation is what is required, that could be progressed very quickly before the end of term. That would provide some equality to the situation.

Senator O'Reilly spoke about volunteers. They are important in terms of the work they do raising funds. Survivors and families are fundraising for support centres. Senator Byrne spoke about the importance of support centres and the work they do. That is acknowledged. I raised the issue of the €3 million in the 2024 budget, which is welcome. We need that to continue and to be increased, if possible. It is something that would be of benefit. There are currently 26 centres nationwide. The level of funding they receive was determined by the NCCP based on its work and the numbers of referrals to it. It works hand-in-hand with HSE and other organisations.

On the Minister of State's comments on the national screening advisory committee, it has commissioned HIQA to review and assess the evidence and the potential expansion of the age range and eligibility for the bowel screening and BreastCheck programmes. That is to be welcomed. The Minister of State also mentioned that 40 of the 52 recommendations of the NCCP have been implemented. Work is ongoing on the remaining elements of the cancer strategy, which is to be welcomed and acknowledged.

The Minister of State also mentioned single occupancy rooms, which provide privacy, dignity and infection control. Cancer sufferers are more prone to picking up infections. Single en suite rooms came into their own during the Covid pandemic in terms of infection control. Overall, this is an important topic that affects one in two of us in our lifetimes. While the outcomes are improving, we cannot rest on our laurels and that is what the strategy and work of the Irish Cancer Society, volunteers and support centres around the country is about. I commend the motion to the House.