AQW 44216/22-27

Mr Daniel McCrossan
Social Democratic and Labour Party
West Tyrone

Tabled Date: 17/04/2026
Answered On Date: 19/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) any Barnett consequentials deriving from the English scheme to support families of children diagnosed with cancer with the cost of travelling; and (ii) whether he is considering adopting a similar scheme for Northern Ireland.

Answer:

No Barnett consequentials have been received that are directly attributable to support families of children diagnosed with cancer with the cost of travelling.

I welcome the announcement of a travel fund for young cancer patients in England; however, 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 possibility of a similar scheme in NI, 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.