Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2015
341. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress of implementing the national dementia strategy which was introduced in December 2014; if a specific portion of the Health Service Executive budget is being targeted at this, or if the measures within the strategy are to be achieved through existing budgetary structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16815/15]
View answerThe Department of Health and the HSE have agreed a joint initiative with the Atlantic Philanthropies to implement significant elements of the National Dementia Strategy over the period 2014-2017. This National Dementia Strategy Implementation Programme will represent a combined investment of €27.5m, with Atlantic Philanthropies contributing €12m, and the HSE contributing €15.5m.
This programme will promote a greater focus on timely diagnosis of dementia and on the value of early intervention, along with the long-term objective of making people in Ireland generally more aware and understanding of the needs of people with dementia, and of the contribution that those with dementia continue to make to our society.
Key elements of the initiative include:
- the rollout of a programme of Intensive Home Supports and Homecare Packages for people with dementia;
- the provision of additional dementia-specific resources for GPs, who are the critical and initial point of contact with the health system for those with dementia. The resource material will include training materials and guidance on local services and contact points, etc;
- measures to raise public awareness, address stigma, and promote the inclusion and involvement in society of those with dementia.
A Monitoring Group, chaired by the Department of Health, has been established to assist with and advise on implementation of the National Dementia Strategy, including the National Dementia Strategy Implementation Programme. This Group includes health professionals, administrators, researchers, and advocates. In addition, the Group includes a person living with dementia and a representative of those who care for people with dementia. The first meeting of this Monitoring Group was held on 1 April 2015.
