Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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2461. To ask the Minister for Health if she has engaged with an organisation (details supplied), a service for individuals and families affected by cancer, concerning funding and supporting their need to purchase the building from which they operate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21161/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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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, on 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, €3 million and, in 2025, €5.5 million in funding has been allocated to the NCCP Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres and Services. The Alliance is a HSE initiative which aims to develop a collaborative framework for community-based cancer support centres and services. The NCCP operates an activity-based funding model for organisations who have joined the Alliance. Community cancer support centres are encouraged to engage with the NCCP and the Alliance to explore opportunities for funding.

In relation to funding for a new premises, the centre in question should contact the Integrated Healthcare Area in its local Health Region regarding the matter of capital funding.