People with conditions other than cancer should be able to access palliative care services, according to a new report.

The report, from the HSE and Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), notes that in 2006, deaths from chronic lung disease, dementia and heart failure were greater in number than deaths from cancer by over 20%.

People with these life-limiting conditions often die without access to palliative care services.

The report found that only one-fifth of specialist palliative care services provide services to people with cancer, motor neurone disease and AIDS only.

It found that access to specialist palliative care services for life-limiting disease other than cancer was variable, with no service in some ares and care provided on a case-by-case basis in other areas.

The report says services for people with chronic life-limiting conditions are underdeveloped and there is a lack of clarity about the role and timing of palliative care among all professional groups.