Staff of Recovery Haven in Tralee, who are representing 26 cancer support centres, are in the audiovisual room today. They offer psychological and emotional support to cancer patients and their families. Unfortunately, in our ageing population, one in two people will suffer from cancer. The Recovery Haven centre in Tralee is dealing with 70 new cases this month, following 44 in May and 58 in April. The organisation is seeking a commitment to an allocation of €5.5 million in core funding in the 2025 budget. In 2024, the 26 member groups that operate centres throughout the country had an operating cost of €11.1 million. I am sure the Taoiseach will agree with me on the importance of these types of cancer support centres. Families going through the journey of cancer need support, psychologically, emotionally and in every way.

The Taoiseach to respond.

I know at first hand the great work this organisation does in Tralee. I commend its staff on it.

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I thank the representatives of Recovery Haven for being here in Leinster House today. The Deputy is right that we need to support these groups. That is why we made the relevant allocation in the budget. Without meaning to speak for Recovery Haven, my understanding is that it is asking for its funding to be increased and to become core funding in order that it can plan for the future. It certainly sounds logical to be able to give it that clarity into the future. It is a key part of our national cancer strategy to recognise that such groups are crucial partners, with the State, in supporting patients and their families on their cancer journey. I thank Recovery Haven for its work. I will work with the Deputy and colleagues across the House on this matter in advance of the budget.