Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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2142. To ask the Minister for Health her Department's approach ahead of the end of the current National Cancer Strategy in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19489/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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My Department has invested heavily in the National Cancer Strategy and associated initiatives in recent years, enabling the further development of our national cancer services, and leading to improved outcomes for cancer patients.

National Cancer Registry of Ireland 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 non-melanoma skin cancers).

The Government is committed to the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy, supported by the reforms and investment delivered under Sláintecare. We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy over the past eight years. The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 Implementation Report 2024 which tracks the overall progress of the Strategy is currently being prepared, and it is expected that this Report will be published in Q2, 2025.

Priorities for 2025 include the further centralisation of cancer services, 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.