Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1685.To ask the Minister for Health when he intends to make payment of the funding secured in 2024 for the community cancer support centres (details supplied); if this funding will be made available annually going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34283/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 acknowledges 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 model 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. These centres provide a range of services, including information and advice about cancer, psychological and emotional support, and survivorship programmes to patients during and after their cancer treatment and are invaluable to those they support. These services can be availed of free of charge and in local communities.

In 2024, I allocated €3m on a once-off basis to the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres. My Department has been notified by the NCCP that all of this funding has now been allocated.

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.