Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1869. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the additional funding provided in budget 2021 for the national dementia strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35669/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key commitment in the Programme for Government is the implementation of the Irish National Dementia Strategy, which aims to improve how we provide care for people living with dementia. The National Dementia Office, established within the HSE, oversees implementation of the Strategy.
As set out in the National Service Plan 2021, additional funding of €12.9 million has been allocated to further the National Dementia Strategy this year. This allocation is made up of the following key elements:
- €7m to fund 250,000 hours of home support for people living with dementia;
- €0.9m to expand the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland Dementia Advisor Service through recruiting an additional 11 dementia advisors, resulting in a total of 29 nationally by the end of the year;
- €5m for a range of measures to enhance services and supports for people with dementia. These measures include:
(a) the further development of dementia diagnostic services through the establishment of a specialist memory clinic in Cork and progressing four new regional memory assessment and support services;
(b) enhancing acute care pathways for people with dementia through the recruitment of more clinical nurse specialists;
(c) the implementation of a National Clinical Guideline on the appropriate prescribing of psychotropic medication for non-cognitive symptoms in people with dementia;
(d) enhancing Memory Technology Resource Room services in 9 sites;
(e) provision of in-home day care for people who were impacted by the suspension of day care services during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
(f) continuation of the Dementia Understand Together Campaign.
