Community Cancer Support Centres are to be supported on a more consistent basis by the Government according to Deputy Michael Lowry. The TD raised the issue with the Taoiseach Simon Harris yesterday who noted that in last year’s budget €3M was provided for the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres and Services.
The Taoiseach accepted that such centres want to be able to plan beyond year to year and beyond having to apply (for funding) on a recurring basis. The Taoiseach committed to factor this request for support into the upcoming budget.
Deputy Lowry emphasised that investment and support under the first two National Cancer Strategies helped significantly in improving cancer outcomes but this was declining due to both reduced investment and funding priority in the 2017 – 2026 Strategy.
The Thurles based TD also noted that persons with a cancer diagnosis find the support and complementary therapies provided at such centres to be invaluable. The €3M allocated by the Department of Health went to support the 16 Centres that operate across the country including Suir Haven in Thurles, North Tipp Hospice, Roscrea Outreach Centre, Friends of Cancer Support Centre in Tipperary Town and Circle of Friends Cancer Support Centre in Tipperary.
