Jimmy Harte (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. I am also delighted to welcome the members of the public who are in the Gallery. They have an interest in this subject and I thank them for giving up their time. I am glad the Minister of State has grasped the concept so well and I know he will be on top of his brief. It is very important the national dementia strategy is put in place as soon as possible because it affects all families at some level. According to the statistics, people in their 60s have a one in 100 chance of suffering from it, which increases to a 20 in 100 chance when one is in one's late 80s. With our population ageing and living longer most people in this room will be affected either directly or through someone very close to them. It is a real issue in the country.

Perhaps in the past the condition was not regarded as a major disablement because people stayed at home with their families, but it is a debilitating condition. It is extremely difficult for families to watch a younger person develop early onset of dementia. The Government and society has a role in dealing with this issue and in assisting the carers, as the difficulty of coping is sometimes left out of the loop.

The Department of Justice and Equality can make people wards of court and it can be awarded powers of attorney, which can be a difficulty for families and we must address this. People physically capable of going on holiday but who need the assistance of a carer should be assisted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade if they want to go on holidays in the early stages of the disease. At local government level, we must make towns, villages and services more friendly for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease and the onset of dementia. According to statistics, by 2040 some 80 million people worldwide will suffer from Alzheimer's disease and dementia, as it doubles every ten years. By that time, dementia it will be a major issue for families, and local and central government have a massive job to help communities become more friendly for people.

Many people are physically active into their 80s, but carers need support from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and State agencies involved in sport. Evidence suggests Alzheimer's disease may not be as rampant in people who are more physically active, so from a cardiovascular point of view it is important the body is working. People far more qualified than me state cardiovascular and stroke issues can lead to the early onset of dementia. Therefore, our entire outlook on health is important for the national strategy on dementia. The future for people in this position must be positive.

The HSE has a role to play in the community and voluntary sector to assist people who want to get involved. Community employment schemes must be protected along with home help. This is not a temporary issue we can solve; we must put in place a long-term plan. We have seen support today from all parties. This is something everyone supports and wants to work because this is our future as well as that of our parents and children.

In other countries the extended family has a role and people look after their grandparents. This was easier to do years ago when people worked around the home and on farms. People now travel and cannot afford to leave their parents in this position. The Departments and agencies I mentioned have a role and must have an input into the strategy. I look forward to the launch and delivery of the strategy on dementia. Most people doing voluntary work are not appreciated and I thank them for their support. I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House and giving his time and considerate response.