Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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1589. To ask the Minister for Health if funding will be set aside for a programme of recovery for cancer services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34372/21]

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. Cancer services continue to operate in line with guidance issued by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).

Funding of €12m has been allocated in Budget 2021 specifically for the restoration of cancer services in the context of Covid-19. This funding is supporting hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity and providing locum support. It is also supporting virtual clinics and more accurate triage, and is facilitating infrastructure improvements and equipment purchases to increase capacity across Rapid Access Clinics and surgical, medical and radiation oncology services.

In addition, as part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m has been allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. This funding is being used to facilitate developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports.

Decisions on the funding of cancer services next year will be made in the context of the Estimates process for 2022.