Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The national dementia strategy was launched in December 2014. It delivers on a commitment in the programme for Government to develop a national Alzheimer's and other dementias strategy to increase awareness, ensure early diagnosis and intervention and develop enhanced community-based services.

The Department of Health and the HSE have agreed a joint initiative with Atlantic Philanthropies to implement significant elements of the strategy over the 2014-17 period. This implementation programme represents a combined investment of €27.5 million, with Atlantic Philanthropies contributing €12 million and the HSE €15.5 million. Key elements of the initiative include the roll-out of a programme of intensive home supports and home care packages for people with dementia, valued at €22 million over a three-year period; the provision of an additional dementia-specific resource, valued at €1.2 million, for general practitioners, GPs, to include training materials and guidance on local services and contact points; and measures to raise public awareness, address stigma and promote the inclusion and involvement in society of those with dementia, valued at €2.7 million.

A national office for dementia, which was the key request from Atlantic Philanthropies, has been established within the HSE to co-ordinate the implementation of the strategy. Up to 500 people with dementia and their families are expected to benefit from intensive home care packages over the lifetime of the implementation programme. Work on the design of a programme of education and training in dementia care for primary care teams and GPs has commenced and is being led, the Deputy will be glad to hear, from UCC in conjunction with DCU and the Irish College of General Practitioners, ICGP. Work has also begun on a dementia awareness campaign, entitled "Dementia Friendly Ireland", which is being led by the HSE's health and well-being division. A monitoring group, chaired by the Department of Health, has been established to assist with and advise on implementation of the national dementia strategy. This group includes health professionals, administrators, researchers and advocates. It also includes someone living with dementia and a representative of those who care for people with dementia. It is an extensive programme.

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