Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and acknowledge the huge efforts and the work she has been delivering for dementia services across the country. Through that support, we have been able to get the Wednesday service up and running in Macroom. It could be so much more if it had that opportunity available to it. It is about being able to support families and clients right across that large area of Macroom and the Lee Valley. Building works are currently very advanced on Macroom's new community hospital extension. They should be finishing up towards the end of this year or into the start of next year. It is time to move forward with the plans for the other building. There is plenty of space in there at the moment or there will be in some months' time. The HSE have been making an excuse and we have to acknowledge that it is an excuse. We want them to move on. That will not be there for long more. We really need to make sure capital funding is available and the project can move along and put that service in place. Has the HSE sought capital funding for that project? Is it part of the forthcoming capital programme? If the HSE has asked, how has that request been received? It is vital for it to be put in place in the next capital programme in order that works can advance without further delay. In the meantime, it would be a great opportunity to grow the service that the ASI has been providing on Wednesdays, as it had access to that building. It would all serve to benefit older people and their families across the Lee Valley and Macroom.

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