Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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273. To ask the Minister for Health the grounds on which an organisation (details supplied) was granted funding; if this will be extended to other similar organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23418/24]

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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274. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration will be given for the State/his Department to take on the payment of salaries of two staff members of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23419/24]

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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275. To ask the Minister for Health if he is aware of an organisation (details supplied) which is providing essential supports and services to cancer patients and their families and receive an amount; his views on this funding amount; his views on whether it is adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23420/24]

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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276. To ask the Minister for Health if he is aware of an organisation (details supplied) providing much-needed free supports and services to cancer patients and their families across several counties struggling financially to continue providing these supports and services due to a lack of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23421/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 273 to 276, inclusive, together.

The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 recognises cancer support centres as a valuable resource, providing access to support to cancer patients and their families outside of the acute care setting. The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) works closely with a network of Community Cancer Support Centres, particularly in regard to the psycho-oncology models of care and the implementation of survivorship programmes for those living with and beyond cancer.

Community cancer support centres are voluntary and charity organisations delivering services directly to cancer patients and their families that emphasise the importance of quality of life during and after cancer treatment. These services can be availed of free of charge and in local communities. The NCCP Revised Best Practice Guidance for CCSCs was published in March 2022. The Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres was also established in 2022. The Alliance is a HSE initiative which aims to develop a collaborative framework for community-based cancer support centres and services. This programme promotes participation in capacity-building activities and communication and networking forums aimed at ensuring that community-based cancer support services are integrated.

The NCCP operates an activity-based funding model for organisations who have joined the NCCP Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres & Services. Funding for current expenditure, including cancer services, is allocated on an annual (single-year) basis through the Estimates process with future levels of funding considered as part of the national estimates and budgetary process. Some centres and groups currently receive funding resources as Community Health Care Organisations through the HSE.

I have allocated additional funding of €3 million in 2024, which will support members of the NCCP Alliance of CCSCs. This funding will be allocated by the NCCP this year.

The Department of Health is not in a position to fund salaries of individuals working in third sector organisations beyond the recognised funding streams.