David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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1754. To ask the Minister for Health the outstanding measures in the National Cancer Strategy; the estimated additional funding this requires for full implementation; the basis on which this funding must be made available that is, one-off or recurring; the revenue and capital split of this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35462/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is a Programme for Government commitment, and is part of the implementation of Sláintecare. We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy over the past three years, with clear evidence-based policy direction from my Department and strong implementation by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP). 

The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 Implementation Report 2020 was published on 5 May. This sets out the progress achieved on the implementation of the 52 recommendations of the Strategy, and the degree to which the key performance indicators are being met, to the end of 2020. It is available on the Department of Health website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd03f-national-cancer-strategy-implementation-report-2020/

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. Additional funding of €12m has also been allocated this year for the restoration of cancer services to 95% of 2019 (pre-Covid) levels. This funding is being used to support hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity and providing locum/temporary support. 

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

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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1755. To ask the Minister for Health the outstanding measures in the National Maternity Strategy; the estimated additional funding this requires for full implementation; the basis on which this funding must be made available that is, one-off or recurring the revenue and capital split of this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35463/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The National Maternity Strategy, published in 2016, aims to ensure that appropriate care pathways are in place in order that mothers, babies and families get the right care, at the right time, from the right team and in the right place. Similarly, the Strategy aims to increase choice for women whilst ensuring that services are safe, standardised and of the highest quality. The phased implementation of the Strategy is ongoing and is being led by the National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP). €9.65m in new development funding was allocated during the period 2016-2020, while very significant investment of €7.317m was provided in Budget 2020 to ensure a renewed impetus to the implementation of the Strategy.

The 2020 HIQA report “Overview report of HIQA’s monitoring programme against the National Standards for Safer Better Maternity Services” recommended that the HSE develop a comprehensive, time-bound and fully costed National Maternity Strategy implementation plan. In line with HIQA's recommendation, the Strategy's implementation plan is currently being reviewed by the NWIHP with a view to assessing the overall status of implementation and to provide up-to-date timelines for the individual recommendations. The ongoing and outstanding actions will form the basis of the revised implementation plan and will have specific timelines set out in the document. NWIHP have advised that the revised plan is due to be completed in the coming weeks. As part of the development of the revised implementation plan, the HSE is currently assessing the additional funding that will be required over the remaining five years of the Strategy's lifetime.

In relation to capital funding, the 2020 HIQA report also recommended that the HSE conduct a review of the infrastructural deficits of each maternity services to bring them into line with HIQA’s Infection Prevention and Control Standards and HIQA’s Better Safer Maternity Care Standards. While this process has not yet commenced, the NWIHP have advised that it is envisaged that significant capital funding will be required to bring maternity hospitals and units up to the required standard.