Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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235. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a compensation scheme for persons suffering from asbestosis cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14030/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department has no plans to introduce a compensation scheme for persons suffering from Asbestosis cancer. The focus is on supporting the health and well-being of our population, and on providing high-quality, patient-centred care when cancer, or other illnesses, occur.

My Department is currently developing a new National Cancer Strategy 2016 - 2025 which is likely to focus on prevention, early diagnosis and further improvements in treatment and patient care, as well as on survivorship. This Strategy will be published in the coming months.