Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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831. To ask the Minister for Health his priorities for cancer service funding during Budget 2022 discussions; if is in receipt of proposals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46777/21]

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 four years, with clear evidence-based policy direction from my Department and strong implementation by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme.

As part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m was allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. Additional funding of €12m was also 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.

It is important that our focus remains on the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy across the areas of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports, as well as on supporting cancer services to progress against the background of Covid-19, and the impact of the ransomware attack on the health service in May 2021.

Decisions on the funding of cancer services next year will be made in the context of Budget 2022. The Irish Cancer Society has presented a pre-budget submission and I can assure you that their views will be taken into account in the Service Planning process for next year.

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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832. To ask the Minister for Health if he has engaged with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to its Budget 2022 proposals; if he will ensure a continued expansion of funding for Alzheimer’s services similar to Budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46778/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I received a pre-budget submission from the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland on September 9th 2021 which my Department, Minister Butler and I have considered ahead of Budget 2022. Unfortunately, due to diary commitments, I was unable to attend Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland’s pre-budget launch.

As Minister for Health I am committed to the implementation of the Irish National Dementia Strategy, which aims to improve how we provide care for people living with dementia. The National Dementia Office, established within the HSE, oversees implementation of the Strategy.

As the Deputy will be aware in Budget 2021, the Government allocated €12.9 million for a number of dementia specific measures. This allocation comprised of €7m for an additional 250,000 hours of home support for people living with dementia, €0.9m to expand the dementia advisor service operated by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and €5m for implementation of the National Dementia Strategy.

With regards to allocation of funding for 2022, as the Deputy will appreciate, I cannot comment at this stage on the outcome of the estimates process, or matters which will be the subject of national service planning in 2022.