Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A great deal of work has been done on the national dementia strategy, and the plan has been published and launched. It represents a comprehensive analysis of the scale of the challenge. We can predict reasonably accurately the figures for the coming years, which spell out the scale of the challenge we will have to meet. I gave the House some of the figures which show how the Government has applied resources to ensuring people can remain at home for as long as possible. We need to ensure the method of assessment is more accurate in analysing the particular needs of people in different parts of the country.

On the broader issue of the challenges of an aging population, there has a big change of culture in this country in respect of healthy living. There is a greater awareness of the dangers of obesity, the issues arising from the thousands of deaths that occur each year because of tobacco use, the questions surrounding alcohol and its abuse, and so on. The Deputy will have noticed increased activity levels among citizens. With modern medicine and healthier lifestyles, people can live for longer. The change of attitude towards achieving a healthier Ireland and a healthier population is important in the longer term if people are indeed to live longer. I note the spectacular achievement by an octogenarian the other day in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, which was an extraordinary feat. In the Deputy's own county last week we saw the interest people have in achieving personal goals. That cycle event was for charity, which means it had a double impact. These are all aspects of the strategy for ensuring people are involved in and engaged with building a healthier Ireland.

In respect of dementia, the strategy, as I said, is in place. It is a question now of being able to meet the challenges outlined in that strategy.

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