Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. He referred to the external evaluation that is under way. As he knows, I am chair of the all-party Oireachtas group set up to raise awareness of dementia. There has recently been a mid-term review of the national dementia strategy. Those involved came to a meeting of our group and talked us through the current position. They told us people with dementia and their families are still dealing with inadequate services and supports, and stated that additional funding is required. Access to community dementia-specific services across Ireland is not equal and, as the Minister of State will know, the mapping document prepared recently showed there are huge gaps across the different counties. The level of service varies depending on where one lives and we need more equity of service. I thank the Minister of State who, on three different occasions, has engaged with the all-party Oireachtas group, which is much appreciated.

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