3502. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide further details on the Strategic Infrastructure Programme established to examine the replacement and expansion of radiation therapy equipment across public sites; the next steps for the programme; the way in which stakeholders can support its progression; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56655/26]

I am committed to improving cancer care, ensuring better prevention, maintaining improvements in cancer survival rates, and timely access to treatments.

Under the National Cancer Strategy 2017–2026, the Government has already allocated €120 million in direct investment in state-of-the-art Radiation Oncology centres in Cork and Galway to address radiotherapy equipment needs.

Funding has been allocated in the HSE Capital Plan 2026 to progress a linear accelerator (LINAC) replacement programme across the St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network at St Luke’s Rathgar, St James’s Hospital and Beaumont Hospital, together with a phased expansion at Beaumont Hospital. The preliminary business case for the replacement programme has been approved by the HSE and, in line with public procurement requirements and the Infrastructure Guidelines, the HSE is progressing the pre-tender design, planning and procurement strategy for the programme.

To address future replacement and expansion requirements beyond these projects, the Department of Health and the HSE are developing a Strategic Infrastructure Programme for radiation therapy equipment and facilities. As part of this work, the Strategic Infrastructure Programme for Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Equipment Working Group has been established to support the development of a coordinated, long-term approach to planning radiotherapy infrastructure requirements across public Radiation Oncology facilities.

In relation to next steps, work on the Programme is ongoing. The Working Group's Terms of Reference are currently being finalised and the detailed workstreams are still under development.

As the Programme progresses, it is anticipated that a range of relevant experts and stakeholders will be engaged to inform its work. This engagement will ensure that appropriate clinical, technical, operational and infrastructure expertise is available to support future planning and delivery.

The development of a centralised strategic planning framework, together with oversight of implementation, will help support cost-effective procurement, efficient delivery of enabling works and alignment with the National Cancer Strategy and Sláintecare, thereby supporting sustainable, high-quality radiotherapy services nationwide.