To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) any estimates his Department has made as to the amount required to establish a dedicated young cancer patient travel fund; and (ii) any consideration his Department has given to accepting Young Lives vs Cancer’s recommendations.

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.