Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 November 2019
344. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the counties in which a dementia adviser is in place; and the counties which do not have an adviser in place in view of the commitment in budget 2020 to provide a dementia adviser in each county. [47181/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dementia Adviser Service was established by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) in mid-2014 and has been co-funded by the HSE since 2016. Dementia advisers provide information, advice and support to people with dementia and their families, or anyone concerned about their cognitive health, at all stages of their journey, from diagnosis through to end-of-life. A recent evaluation has shown that people with dementia and their families highly value the services provided.
In recognition of this, the Government has decided to fund an additional ten dementia advisers as part of an expansion of health care delivery in the community in Budget 2020 to deliver on the vision of Sláintecare. The locations of the additional dementia advisers will be considered as part of the National Service Plan discussions and planning for 2020.
In relation to the specific issue raised, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
