Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The society has grown over the years to become a professional nationwide charity, with a network of regional branches, staff and volunteers providing a range of services, including home care, day care, support homes, respite care and social clubs.

We have had the opportunity in recent months of launching a number of initiatives. The HSE has entered into a service level agreement with the Genio Trust to develop and test new service models with a view to improving the range of community-based supports for people with dementia, to influence public policy and investment in the area and to build leadership in the field. The total cost of these projects is in the region of ¤4.3 million. Atlantic Philanthropies has generously provided ¤2.3 million, with the remainder provided by the Health Service Executive.

Four dementia projects were selected earlier this year. The successful demonstration sites are located in Mayo, Kinsale, south Tipperary and Dún Laoghaire. The outcomes from each project will be evaluated and learning disseminated beyond the demonstration sites to the wider system, and to inform future operational policies of the HSE. These are terrific examples of good ideas and good practice, which seek to move away from a situation where, too often, the service user had to fit into the service being provided to others in the local area to one where the service user is the key stakeholder in service design at the outset.

As we know, currently, there is no cure for dementia and people can live a long life with the illness. In this regard, we acknowledge that their needs and those of their families and carers increase as the disease progresses. Carers are vital to the success of Government policy in relation to older people, children and adults with an illness or a disability. I am fully aware that every day in this country tens of thousands of family members, friends, partners, parents, children or neighbours provide care for someone who, through a variety of circumstances, is in need of that care. The Government is under no illusion in relation to the challenges that carers face every day. This is why the Taoiseach committed to developing the national carers' strategy, which was launched in July of this year. The strategy sets the strategic direction for future policies, services and supports provided by Departments and agencies for carers.

The national carers strategy is the first of its kind to be developed in recognition of the invaluable role and contribution of carers in Ireland. It places carers firmly on the national agenda and sets the strategic direction for future policies, services and supports provided by Departments and agencies for Irish carers. It sets out a vision to work towards and an ambitious set of national goals and objectives to guide policy development and service delivery to ensure carers feel valued and supported to manage their caring responsibilities with confidence and are empowered to have a life of their own outside of caring. I take this opportunity to recognise and acknowledge the level of dedication and commitment which carers show to their loved ones every day.