Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 November 2013
439. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health his plans to develop a national strategy for dementia following the tragic deaths of elderly residents; his views on whether this is an increasing problem for the primary care services with in excess of 40,000 people diagnosed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47877/13]
View answerThe programme for Government contains a commitment to develop a National Alzheimer’s and other dementias strategy to increase awareness, ensure early diagnosis and intervention and ensure development of enhanced community based services.
A significant amount of preparatory work has already been completed. A research review funded by the Atlantic Philanthropies, titled Creating Excellence in Dementia Care, A Research Review for Ireland’s National Dementia Strategy, was published in January 2012. A public consultation process to inform the development of the Strategy was conducted in 2012 and a report of same published on the Department’s website in February 2013.
A Working Group, representative of key stakeholders from the Department, the HSE, the medical profession and the community and voluntary sector has been established to assist in developing the Strategy and meetings of this Group are on-going.
While the development of the Strategy will have to have due regard to the constraints imposed by the budgetary situation, it is intended that it will be a transformative Strategy. It will have a very practical focus, will be action oriented and will focus on what can be done to make a difference to the lives of people with dementia. The development of the Strategy is at an advanced stage and it is intended that it will be published in Q1 2014.
