Regina Doherty
Ceist:1238 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a national dementia strategy will be implemented. [18128/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 18 April 2012
Ceisteanna (1227, 1228)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:1249 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the current standing of the programme for Government commitment to developing and implementing the national dementia strategy; if he is in a position to progress this commitment in this European year of active aging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18208/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1238 and 1249 together.
The Programme for Government gave 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, which was to assemble the research and evidence upon which the policy will be developed, was recently completed. The findings of the review were published and presented to Minister Reilly. The report is available at www.doh.ie.
The next step will take the form of a public consultation process and details of how this will be carried out are currently being considered. Following on from the consultation process a Working Group will then be established, towards the end of this year, to develop the strategy.