I wish to raise the serious consequences for everybody in respect of cancer care in Ireland. Obviously, because of the pandemic and its consequences, cancer care in the context of diagnosis, early treatment and early intervention has been severely curtailed. In fact, according to some experts on cancer, there could be a five- to ten-year tailback in early intervention. This is very serious for those who want to get screened and so forth. What is this Administration doing at present to address those issues in cancer care?

The Deputy is correct that Covid-19 has had a very significant impact and led to delayed diagnoses. Many activities that would have been taking place were suspended, particularly during severe surges of the Omicron, Delta and previous variants. It has had a serious impact with regard to delayed diagnoses and on waiting lists. In response to Covid-19 up to €350 million has been allocated for waiting times and waiting lists. Also, additional funding has been allocated to the national cancer strategy for increasing resources to enable hospitals and clinicians to deal with the increased workload that undoubtedly exists now.