Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy O'Loughlin for raising the issues. I meant to state earlier the Minister, Deputy Simon Harris, sends his apologies, He is out of the country at a very important conference. I take the Deputy's point on the money issue. When we look at the details, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland receives funding from the HSE of €212,347 per annum to provide services in the Kildare area to people with dementia. These services must be expanded and developed and it is being worked on. The society also provides additional supports to the supports provided by the HSE.

Historically, the day service was provided from the old GP surgery in Drogheda Street, Monasterevin for the Kildare area as this was the only accommodation available. The service was provided three days per week, but the building was inadequate and did not provide a safe environment. Due to the building being unsafe the HSE had to restrict access to the building for the safety of staff and clients. At that time, as the Deputy mentioned, services moved to the GAA club outside Monasterevin, but this site was not suitable for a number of reasons, as many would expect.

I take the Deputy's point on transport and the reduction of 50%. Attendances at the day centre on average were 50% of capacity on Sundays, but the Deputy made the point this is due to weakness in the transport system. I notice that in the recent update from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, five to eight clients attend the service on Fridays and there is been no increase on Thursdays. The HSE and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland have agreed to monitor attendance over the next four months while also seeking new premises for the service from April 2017. Of course, I will bring back to the Minister, Deputy Harris, the issues raised by the Deputy and push them further.

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