Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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1783.To ask the Minister for Health if he has sought an increase in funding for an organisation (details supplied) in Budget 2025; if he accepts that an allocation for 2025 of €5.5 million for the organisation, which represents 50% of its operational costs, will be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34986/24]

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.

The NCCP operates an activity-based funding model for organisations who have joined the NCCP Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres and 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.