Nicky McFadden
Question:615. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if a national dementia strategy will be published in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52172/12]
View answerTuesday, 27 November 2012
Questions (615, 660)
Finian McGrath
Question:660. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support a commitment to a whole of Government approach to develop a comprehensive and robust dementia strategy and creating a clinical and policy leadership in dementia and delivering solutions through actions in relation to services and supports for persons throughout the dementia journey [52528/12]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 615 and 660 together.
The Programme for Government gives a commitment to develop a National Strategy on Dementia by 2013 which will increase awareness, ensure early diagnosis and intervention, and enhance community based services for people living with this condition. The first stage of the process was to assemble the research and evidence upon which the strategy will be developed. This was completed earlier this year and the report of the findings Creating Excellence in Dementia Care: a Research Review for Ireland’s National Dementia Strategy has been published. A guide for the general public, Future Dementia Care in Ireland: Sharing the Evidence to Mobilise Action was compiled to disseminate the report’s findings and to give a better understanding of dementia. Both the report and the guide are available at www.doh.ie.
A public consultation process which sought the views of interested parties, to help inform the development of the strategy concluded at the end of August and officials are currently examining the responses. Following on from this process a working group will be established to develop the strategy in 2013.