James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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734. To ask the Minister for Health if funding has been approved for a charity (details supplied); if so, when it will receive the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29384/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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 (CCSCs) 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 NCCP Alliance of CCSCs was also established in 2022. The NCCP 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. I have allocated additional funding of €3 million in 2024, which will support members of the NCCP Alliance.

Some centres and groups currently receive funding resources through their local Community Healthcare Organisations in the HSE.

Officials in my Department are examining funding opportunities complementary to the existing schemes that may be utilised to support the organisation in question.