To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) any discussions that have taken place between his Department and the UK Government regarding the new £10 million Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund; and (ii) whether his Department intends to introduce an equivalent travel support scheme for cancer patients under 25 and their families.

Officials from my Department have engaged with Young Lives vs Cancer on the issue of travel cost support for children and young people undergoing cancer treatment. I also met with Young Lives vs Cancer to hear their concerns directly.

Health is a devolved responsibility in Northern Ireland, and decisions on the design and funding of local support schemes must therefore be taken within the context of the Northern Ireland Executive’s budget and priorities.

While my Department has considered the charity’s proposals, given the significant pressures on the Department’s budget, it has not been possible to consider any additional financial support other than that which is currently available.