Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2504.To ask the Minister for Health the additional funding he has committed to the national cancer strategy in each year since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33321/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This Government has allocated substantial funding of €50 million for national cancer treatment and screening services over the years 2021 to 2023. In the same period, the Government has allocated an additional €98 million for new medicines, facilitating the introduction of 61 new cancer medicines. Since 2017, there has been an additional investment of €456 million in cancer services, including €81 million on cancer prevention, screening and treatment; €316 million on cancer medicines; and €59 million on cancer research grants through the Health Research Board.

This funding has enabled the recruitment of more than 670 staff to our national cancer services since 2017, including an additional 200 nursing staff, 100 consultants, and 180 health and social care professionals in designated cancer centres. This means that our national cancer services have been strengthened, that more patients are receiving treatment, and that waiting times to access treatment are reduced.

There has been significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy over the past seven years, with clear evidence-based policy direction from my Department and strong implementation by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).

National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) data shows substantial progress being made to control the four major cancers (prostate, breast, lung and colorectal), with mortality rates falling or stabilising for each. These comprise over half of all invasive tumours (not including rarely fatal nonmelanoma skin cancers).

The implementation of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 is a Government priority and continued improvements in cancer services will be driven by both my Department and the NCCP. Priorities for 2024 will include the further centralisation of cancer services, which has a direct impact on positive outcomes for patients, and the implementation of models of care for areas such as medical oncology and psycho-oncology, which ensure continuity of care and support for cancer patients and their families.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2505.To ask the Minister for Health his plans to increase the number of medical oncologists; how many are currently in place; how many vacancies there are; what the annual training capacity is; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33322/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2506.To ask the Minister for Health when a person in County Kerry (details supplied) will receive a date for a colonoscopy in University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33338/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.