124. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health her plans to improve diagnostic pathways and invest in infrastructure to meet target treatment times outlined in the national cancer strategy and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24135/25]

Sentiment score: -0.11

Each year, more than 44,000 people in Ireland are diagnosed with cancer. It remains one of the leading causes of death, accounting for 30% of all deaths annually. In July 2024, in excess of 172,000 people were waiting more than three months for a diagnostic imaging test, delays that have significant implications for early detection and outcomes. In light of these trends and the commitments made in the programme for Government, will the Minister outline her plans to improve diagnostic pathways and invest in the infrastructure needed to meet target treatment times as set out in the national cancer strategy?

Sentiment score: -0.33

I appreciate the work under way across the health service and I know there is a strong focus on delivering improved cancer outcomes, but the data points to real challenges and real opportunities for improvement. I welcome the commitment from Government and the Minister and acknowledge the investment to date. Ireland still has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in western Europe and one of the highest rates of new diagnosis in the EU. Waiting times for access to new cancer medicines remain a concern, with Irish patients waiting an average of 644 days post-EMA approval, which is longer than many of our European counterparts. Our screening participation rates are encouraging in County Kildare, with bowel screening rates above target. However, HPV uptake has dipped slightly since 2019 and the perception of access remains an issue. In Leinster, outside of Dublin, two in five people report delaying care due to system pressures. We have made progress, which I acknowledge, but more is needed to ensure timely diagnosis, equitable access and improved outcomes.

Sentiment score: 0.27

I acknowledge the work of the Minister and her Department. I encourage the Department to continue prioritising that capital investment. I also encourage the delivery of ring-fenced funding for cancer services, as mentioned by her, which was committed to in the programme for Government. I also encourage the expansion of acute oncology facilities, ensuring patients undergoing treatment are not forced through overburdened emergency departments. We have heard in this House this evening that emergency departments are not the ideal setting for these people. The national cancer strategy provides a strong roadmap and the commitment is clear. I acknowledge the political will is there. However, as incidence continues to rise and the population grows, as the Minister mentioned, now is the time to match that ambition with pace, particularly in diagnostics where early intervention can change everything. I appreciate, as she said, that as things improve, we will see more diagnoses. That shows the system is working and we are picking up on things, particularly with an ageing population. We must keep the pressure on and continue to work with the Department and the HSE.

Sentiment score: 0.12