On Wednesday a group representing the Network of Community Cancer Support Centres – including our own manager, Gemma Fort – appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Health in Leinster House, highlighting the challenges facing community-based cancer support services and the need for sustainable funding.
The delegation also included John Conroy, Dochas Cancer Support Group Offaly, Richard Flaherty, Cancer Care West Galway and Donegal, Deirdre Grant, ARC Cancer Support Centres Dublin, Conor O’Leary, Purple House Cancer House Wicklow and Tracy McDaid, Solas Cancer Support Centre Waterford.
The National Cancer Strategy recognises the contribution of the voluntary and community sector in providing free services to cancer patients, their families, and carers.
Over the past 30 plus years, a significant number of Community Cancer Support Centres have been established on a voluntary basis by local communities in recognition of the wider needs of those impacted by cancer.
While funding of €3M was allocated by the Department of Health in 2024, this was one-off funding, and the delegation was pleased to have the opportunity to highlight the urgent need for sustainable funding to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Health
