Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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799. To ask the Minister for Health the number of delayed treatments or appointments for cancer treatment since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. [23272/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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From the outset of the pandemic, great focus has been placed by the health services on encouraging people to come forward wit cancer-related concerns. It is important that anyone with concerns about cancer visit their GP, who will arrange appropriate follow-up care. Our cancer diagnostic and treatment services are open, and our healthcare staff will provide any necessary care.

The number of people coming forward with cancer concerns decreased significantly during Covid Wave 1 from March to May 2020. However, we have seen a recovery in the figures since that time:

- the total number of GP e-referrals to cancer Rapid Access Clinics for 2021 stood at 130% of the activity for the corresponding period in 2019;

- the total number of patients seen across all Rapid Access Clinics in 2021 stands at 102% of the corresponding period in 2019; and

- the number of patients receiving chemotherapy in 2021 was at 100% of 2019 activity;

- the number of patients receiving radiation oncology in 2021 was at 89% of 2019 activity; and

- the number undergoing surgical oncology in 2021 was at 90%.

The Government has provided significant extra funding for cancer services in Ireland. Funding of €5m has been provided in 2022 to continue the work of supporting cancer services and increasing capacity in the context of Covid-19. This is in addition to the €12m allocated in 2021. This funding is facilitating additional clinics and the extension of clinic times, as well as allowing for minor infrastructural works to be carried out and for locum and temporary staff to be recruited to support the delivery of services.

In addition, there has been significant investment over the last two years for implementation of the National Cancer Strategy, with €20m provided in 2021 and a further €20m in 2022. This funding is being utilised to advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer and to provide continued support for patients living with and beyond cancer.