Irish Cancer Patients Face Barriers to Life-Saving Trials Due to Funding and Staffing Issues
Irish cancer patients are experiencing difficulties accessing potentially life-saving clinical trials due to regional disparities in funding, a shortage of research staff, and the prevalence of short-term contracts, according to recent testimony before an Oireachtas Committee. These challenges are forcing patients to travel long distances to participate in trials and hindering the recruitment and retention of vital research personnel.
Funding Disparities Hamper Regional Access
Evidence presented to the Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science revealed a significant imbalance in funding allocation for cancer trial research programs. Between 2021 and 2026, €10.8 million in public funding was directed to programs in the east of the country, while the West North West region received only €600,000, with a similar amount allocated to Limerick. Cancer Trials Ireland CEO Angela Clayton-Lea emphasized that this level of funding “doesn’t buy an awful lot of manpower.”
Dr. Veronica McInerney, cancer clinical trials programme manager for the HSE West and North West region, highlighted that some regions lack the financial resources to employ the specialist skills necessary to conduct trials, directly impacting patient access. She cited instances of patients from Tullamore, Co Offaly, being required to travel to Dublin or Galway to participate in clinical trials.
Staffing Challenges and Contract Instability
The committee also heard concerns regarding the instability of research staff positions. Short-term, project-based contracts are hindering recruitment and retention efforts, particularly in Dublin, where specialist nurses and other staff struggle to secure mortgages due to the temporary nature of their employment. Clayton-Lea explained that while Dublin-based staff often have a continuous stream of research projects, the lack of long-term security impacts their ability to establish themselves financially.
Dr. Raymond Healy, director of registration at the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, further underscored the reliance on internationally trained nurses, noting that over 5,000 first-time registrants in the past year came from outside of Ireland. Ireland is now one of the most internationally reliant nursing workforces within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), raising concerns about the sustainability of this reliance as other countries also face staffing shortages.
The Value of Cancer Clinical Trials
Despite these challenges, the importance of cancer clinical trials was emphasized. Clayton-Lea cited an example of advancements in prostate cancer treatment, where radiotherapy regimens have been reduced from 37 treatments to five due to research-driven improvements. She also noted that even when a drug is approved, further research is often needed to determine the optimal dosage and minimize side effects for patients.
Cancer Trials Ireland CEO Angela Clayton-Lea attended the launch of the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group (NCTOG) Final Report and Recommendations on November 20th, 2025, where she highlighted the significance of the Value of Cancer Trials report.
Looking Ahead
Addressing the funding disparities and staffing issues is crucial to ensuring equitable access to potentially life-saving cancer clinical trials for all patients in Ireland. Further investment in research infrastructure and the implementation of more secure, long-term contracts for research staff are essential steps toward strengthening Ireland’s cancer research capabilities and improving patient outcomes.