3501. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the timeline for commencing the evaluation for the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56654/26]

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 since its launch in July, 2017.

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).

It is essential that we continue to build on our investment and progress. As the current National Cancer Strategy nears its conclusion, I have recently approved the approach to take regarding an external evaluation of its implementation to date. Initial structures for this evaluation are currently being stood up, preparations are underway, and it is expected that it will be carried out later this year.

This evaluation will be carried out by working closely with key stakeholders such as the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland. Stakeholders also include patients and their families, healthcare professionals, government agencies, research institutions, advocacy groups, and the pharmaceutical industry, among others.