Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I commend Atlantic Philanthropies, which is co-operating with the Government by providing some €15 million alongside the Government commitment for a further €15 million. However, this requires substantial further funding additional to that €15 million. The national dementia strategy commits to an integrated, multidisciplinary approach and to a response by community services, primary care and secondary care in order to support people with dementia and their carers. It needs huge commitment into the future from the Department of Health and the HSE.

The facts are that 63% of the approximately 50,000 people with dementia currently live in the community, the most common form of this condition is Alzheimer's disease, and the vast majority of those with dementia are primarily cared for by a family member. They need supports to be provided at regular stages from the advisory bodies linked to the HSE and from occupational therapists in order to ensure these patients are kept at home and in the community as much as possible.

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