Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Dementia supports across Ireland remain totally inadequate. The position in Roscommon is an example of that, but one that requires urgent address. We are looking at a difficulty that is acknowledged by the national dementia strategy's mid-term review, which states that additional funding is required. Currently, access to community dementia-specific services across Ireland is not equal. The level of service varies depending on where one lives but I stress that currently no county in Ireland has an acceptable level of dementia support.

Budget 2019 must deliver increased supports across Ireland for persons suffering with dementia. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is calling for investment in budget 2019 to deliver increased numbers of dementia advisers, key workers and community co-ordinators. We in Sinn Féin support that call and ask the Government to step up to the mark and deliver for dementia sufferers and their families who have been waiting far too long. Crisis in elder care settings of the nature I have outlined to the Tánaiste will continue unless we invest in supportive services. In urging the Tánaiste to address these matters in budget 2019, I ask him to remake and stand over the Kathleen Lynch commitments of three years ago to the residents of Rosalie home.

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