Sinn Féin Proposes Novel Cancer Strategy to Tackle Treatment Delays and Regional Disparities

Sinn Féin has unveiled a new cancer strategy for Ireland, aiming to address significant delays in treatment and inequalities in access to care across the country. The proposals, presented to the Dáil on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, include increased funding, measures to eliminate waiting lists and a commitment to ending the “postcode lottery” in cancer services.

Addressing Treatment Delays

Recent figures released to Sinn Féin highlight concerning delays in cancer treatment. According to the party, 15% of chemotherapy patients and 23% of radiotherapy patients do not begin treatment within the recommended timeframe. Surgical delays are also prevalent, with 61% of prostate cancer surgeries, 45% of breast cancer surgeries, and 39% of lung cancer surgeries not occurring within the established guidelines.^{Sinn Féin}

Ending the “Postcode Lottery”

A central tenet of Sinn Féin’s strategy is to eliminate regional disparities in cancer care access. David Cullinane, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson for Health, emphasized that a patient’s location should not dictate the speed or quality of their treatment.^Newstalk For example, data shows that in 2025, all chemotherapy patients in Cavan received appointments on time, even as only 66% in Waterford did. Conversely, 98% of radiotherapy appointments in Waterford were timely, compared to 67% in Dublin and the midlands.^{Sinn Féin}

Proposed Solutions and Funding

The proposed strategy includes tens of millions in annual funding, free parking at hospitals for patients and visitors, and a focus on improving cancer outcomes.^Newstalk Cullinane also pointed to underfunding of the Health Service Executive (HSE) as a key obstacle, stating that a lack of capital funding hinders both large-scale and local projects.^{Sinn Féin}

BreastCheck Concerns

The strategy also addresses concerns regarding BreastCheck, Ireland’s national breast screening program. Targets for screening appointments were missed by 25% in 2025, leading to tens of thousands of women not receiving timely screenings.^{Sinn Féin}

Looking Ahead

Sinn Féin’s proposals aim to address critical shortcomings in Ireland’s cancer care system. The party intends to bring these proposals forward for debate in the Dáil, advocating for improved patient outcomes and equitable access to cancer services nationwide.^{Highland Radio}