Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We do not need to change the culture, as communities are leading the response to dementia on an organic basis throughout the country. The HSE is behind the curve. It comes along and tries to shut down community-led initiatives.

A new strategy will have to be prepared without the participation of The Atlantic Philanthropies. Since there will be no rich sugar daddy anymore, the money will have to come from the taxpayer. The Minister of State should commence that work as soon as the external review is concluded. He should not be behind the curve. Most important, it must be ensured that those suffering from dementia and their families are consulted and central to the writing of the strategy and that it is not left to some HSE official who does not get the situation. It is clear that many officials do not understand what families and patients are going through, and the cross being borne by people around the country. The Minister of State needs to involve families and the organisations. They need to be central to the new strategy.

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