Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2014
108. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in improving services for citizens with dementia; if he will introduce a charter of rights for all such citizens whether they are living in the community or in care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37273/14]
View answerIt is estimated that there are currently approximately 47,000 people with dementia in Ireland and that number is expected to increase threefold to approximately 132,000 by 2041. Accordingly, the 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 public consultation process to inform the development of the Strategy was conducted in 2012 and a report of this was published on my Department’s website in February 2013. A Working Group, representative of key stakeholders from my Department, the HSE, the medical profession and the community and voluntary sector was convened to advise on the preparation of the Strategy, which is now at an advanced stage and the Strategy will be published over the coming months.
The Strategy 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. Implementation will commence immediately after publication, with the initial emphasis being on actions that can be progressed within existing resources. The Strategy does not envisage the introduction of a charter of rights for people with dementia, but as well as specific Actions, it will set out a number of Principles to inform the design and delivery of all services and supports for people with dementia.
