David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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278. To ask the Minister for Health if a rapid review of cancer services will be performed to assess capacity and demand in view of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17872/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The National Action Plan on Covid-19 identified the continued provision of cancer care as a priority, through ensuring the delivery of national specialities and maintaining urgent activity.

Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinics continued, though the number of referrals was down and urgent cases were prioritised. Rapid Access Clinics for lung and prostate cancer also continued, again with less people being referred. These clinics are returning towards normal levels of attendance. However, capacity will be impacted by the need for physical distancing and other infection protection and control measures.

Urgent cancer surgery and medical oncology also continued, following the consideration of the risk:benefit ratio of treatment of individual patients, the prioritisation of time-sensitive treatment and the review of the location of the delivery of cancer services across all cancer clinical programmes. Radiation Oncology services are also being maintained, though referrals are somewhat reduced. Again, capacity for all these services will be impacted by the need for physical distancing and other infection protection and control measures.

The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) are assessing the capacity needs of cancer services in the coming period as part of the overall Capacity Plan being prepared by the HSE.