Health Strategies
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-13
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Kieran O'Donnell (FG), Limerick City

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.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-13/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:56+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-13