I welcome the Minister of State. I am raising this Commencement matter because we are in May 2026, and the current national cancer strategy, covering 2017 to 2026, is entering its final months. It is essential that we receive a clear update on the development of the next cancer strategy that will guide cancer services over the next decade. I acknowledge the significant progress made under the current strategy. The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 has delivered real improvements in prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. There have been improved survival rates, expanded screening programmes, stronger specialist cancer centres, improved access to modern treatments and better multidisciplinary care for patients. There has also been a stronger focus on prevention, early diagnosis, psychological supports and survivorship services. All of these have made a real difference to patients and families across the country. I recognise the work of healthcare professionals and patient advocates who help drive that progress. We are at an important point. Cancer cases are expected to increase significantly in the years ahead because of our ageing and growing population. That is why the strategy covering the next decade is so important. Patients and families was certainty about the future direction of cancer care. Healthcare workers need confidence that workforce planning, infrastructure investment and service expansion are being prioritised now.

I want to highlight the need to address the ongoing inequalities in access to cancer care. While services have improved overall, waiting times and outcomes can still depend too heavily on geography. Postcode inequalities need to be addressed. A major focus of the next strategy must also be diagnostic capacity.

We need sustained investment in MRI, CT and PET scanning services to ensure earlier diagnosis and faster access to treatment. Radiotherapy capacity must remain a priority. The upgrading and replacement of radiotherapy machines are essential if we are to provide modern, timely and safe treatments for patients into the future.

At a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Health, we discussed ageing equipment and I was stunned by some of what I heard. I reached out afterwards to my community of women in Breast Friends and many confirmed appointments had been cancelled because machines were out of action. If a photocopier in an office became unreliable or was constantly breaking down, it would be replaced immediately. Life-saving machinery should be treated with far greater urgency. Procurement needs significant focus, particularly with regard to how it is operating.

I also highlight the importance of screening and public education. The HPV vaccine has been a game-changer. Laura Brennan's advocacy played a huge role in raising awareness of its importance. I would like to see a renewed catch-up initiative, more education and an increase in further uptake. I continue to support expansion of the BreastCheck age criteria, as outlined in my submission to the national screening advisory committee, NSAC. We need greater awareness of missed appointments and stronger public engagement to encourage attendance.

I acknowledge the calls from the family of Eavan Glynn, who bravely shared his bowel cancer story. Bowel cancer does not just affect people over 50 and awareness of signs and symptoms is critically important. Significant investment has already been made. Since 2017, more than €105 million has been allocated directly to support the national cancer strategy and over 670 staff have been recruited into cancer services. Between 2021 and 2024, 74 cancer drugs received reimbursement approval, with spending exceeding €645 million. Importantly, the current strategy contains 52 recommendations and I understand that 43 have now been implemented. I would welcome an update from the Minister of State on the remaining nine recommendations and the timeline for their delivery.

My ask is very simple. What is the current status of the next national cancer strategy? Has formal work commenced? What consultation process is planned with clinicians, patient groups and Oireachtas Members? When can we expect a framework for cancer services beyond 2026 to come before this House? Cancer touches almost every family in this country so we want to know that we are going to be looked after and that a solid plan is in place.

I thank Senator Costello for raising this important matter. I am taking it on behalf of the Minister for Health. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the national cancer strategy and I recognise the Senator’s commitment to this topic.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the launch of Ireland’s first national cancer strategy. It is an opportune time to reflect on the progress that has been made since 1996 and to look ahead to how we may build upon what has already been achieved. Research has shown that Ireland's consecutive national cancer strategies have been a significant factor in improving patient outcomes. A study published in the Journal of Cancer Policy just this year lauded Ireland's strategic approach to cancer control as among the highest across the countries examined. Ireland's consecutive national cancer strategies have ensured that international best practice has been adopted where possible and, as a result, they have transformed patient outcomes in cancer care.

Since its launch in 2017, the Government has allocated €105 million to the current national cancer strategy to support cancer services and improve outcomes for patients. This is in addition to over €140 million in capital investment in cancer infrastructure. In the intervening years, very significant progress has been made in improving cancer services and there are now over 220,000 people living with or beyond cancer, 50% more than there were a decade ago. I note the Senator acknowledged that improvements have taken place. Investment under the strategy has also ensured that more patients are being seen in specialist centres, are being reviewed by multidisciplinary teams and are receiving better supports during and after treatment.

The current strategy, which was published in June 2017, contains 52 recommendations. To date, 43 of these have been implemented and the HSE national cancer control programme is continuing to progress the remaining nine. These will continue to drive further reforms and service improvements in this final year of the strategy. I suggest that the Senator write to the Minister directly for an update on the remaining nine recommendations.

Early work on the next national cancer strategy has already begun. An evaluation will first be carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders such as the HSE's national cancer control programme and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland. Other stakeholders include patients and their families, healthcare professionals, Government agencies, research institutions and advocacy groups. These stakeholders will also play a major role in informing the development of the next strategy.

While evaluation of actions to date will inform the direction of the next strategy, opportunities in known emerging areas in cancer control can be and should also be examined. The increasing use of personalised medicine, innovation in data and AI tools and sustainable prevention measures will all likely play a role in the future of cancer control. The Government and the Minister for Health remain committed to a strategic approach to cancer control at a national level and to continuing to build on improvements to services and better outcomes for patients.

The Senator raised CT scans and other issues and they will be brought to the attention of the Minister.

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I want to drive home my message about the machinery. As I said, if an office was operating with a photocopier that was not working to the proper standard, it would get rid of it. This is life-saving technology. I want to know what is going on in procurement and I want to be a part of the national cancer strategy. I want to be a part of what is going on. I am a stakeholder. People who are sick or dying are sharing their stories because they know what a harsh illness cancer is. That is why I am so passionate about getting this strategy up and running. We have seven months left and we need to deliver. We need clear timelines regarding when the next ten-year strategy is going to be rolled out. This is not the kind of thing where we can have a break for two months without a strategy in place. Following the meeting of the Joint Committee on Health I mentioned, I will start chasing up the procurement side of this.

I again thank the Senator for raising this important matter. I think she is going to follow up directly with the Minister and the Department of Health about the remaining recommendations and other issues. Forty-three recommendations have been implemented. Successive national cancer strategies have delivered continued improvements in outcomes for Irish cancer patients, as shown by a significant increase in five-year survival rates, from 44% between 1994 and 1998 to 65% between 2014 to 2018.

The upcoming evaluation of the current national cancer strategy provides an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved, identify remaining challenges and ensure that future priorities are informed by evidence, experience and advice from patients and families. The Government remains committed to building on this different investment and progress already made in improving the outcomes for cancer patients in Ireland.

I acknowledge everyone present, in particular Senator Costello. We have a shared commitment to improve the lives of cancer patients. Once again, I thank the Senator for raising this very important issue.