Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004
33 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention was drawn to the recent poll of general practitioners commissioned by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland that shows that nine out of ten doctors believe that the State is failing to deliver proper care for people with the disease; and the steps being taken to ensure that persons with the condition receive adequate care. [18390/04]
View answerMy Department's policy on providing adequate services for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease is as set out in the report, An Action Plan for Dementia. It was published by the National Council on Ageing and Older People in 1999. This commitment is endorsed in the 2001 health strategy, Quality and Fairness: A Health System for You.
A number of initiatives were taken to improve dementia services. Significant additional funding was made available for the express purpose of providing assistance to carers, including carers of Alzheimer's sufferers. Additional funding was made available to the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland to expand its services, particularly its day care services. A number of new community nursing units of older people had been constructed in recent years. They provide respite and day care for people with dementia. In addition, a number of extended care facilities operated by the health boards have been adapted to provide dedicated units for dementia sufferers as part of their overall accommodation. I will continue to work with health agencies to provide improved facilities for those with dementia.
