Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is one of the most important issues on the agenda. I have a copy of the report launched on 18 January 2012 in Trinity College Dublin by the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, Creating Excellence in Dementia Care. I pay tribute to the authors, Professor Eamon O?Shea, NUIG, Professor Suzanne Cahill and Dr. Maria Pierce, and I commend the work of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

So much work has been done in producing the report that we do not have to reinvent the wheel. It is an outstanding report. The Minister, in launching it, stated there is a commitment in the programme for Government to launch a national strategy. I look forward to its implementation. The deadline given for this is 2013. We are approaching 2013 so I hope all the work will be done by then. The report is invaluable in informing this work. One does not have to reinvent the wheel because the report is evidence based and was produced by eminent people. Three quarters of the work is already done. I thank the philanthropists who provided much of the funding for the work on which the report is based. I acknowledge the work of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland in its preparation.

Everybody has spoken about the importance of early diagnosis. In 2010, the then Minister launched a national dementia education programme. It seemed to identify gaps in specific education and training for nursing and non-nursing staff dealing with dementia. The Minister of State, Deputy Perry, might bring that to the attention of the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, to determine whether there has been any re-evaluation of the programme. What was found? What is working and what is not working?

Senator Colm Burke tabled a motion on the training of nurses, including gerontological training. This is mentioned in the programme. The Seanad engaged in community consultation with all the relevant groups associated with the elderly. These issues, particularly training, were raised heretofore.

We heard so much about community care in the past few weeks. Much of the news was bad but the good news is that community care for those suffering from dementia is vital. Many people enter long-term care before they are ready for it. The education, training and community-awareness programmes are not tailored to address this issue. Two thirds of those in long-term care are estimated to have dementia. Some are believed to be put in care prematurely.

One of the weaknesses of the home care services is that they are not underpinned by legislation, nor are they provided for statutorily. Senator Moloney said that, while aspirations are fine, it is vital that there be a statutory basis to implementation. In the absence of community support at the desired level, people with dementia continue to be placed in long-term care prematurely.

I would like the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, to consider funding. I was working with a lady recently whose husband, who is quite young, has dementia. She found two nursing homes that were willing to take him. It is sometimes difficult to get the right nursing home to take a person because specific care is required. However, the funding system is such that some institutions are deemed unsuitable while others are deemed suitable. It is important that the funding system be changed to accommodate those who are willing, able, trained and HIQA approved.

Let us consider the emphasis on prevention. In this regard, I was looking at the BBC only yesterday. I happened to be in Glasgow, where I was speaking at the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly on the UN declaration on disabilities. Senator Mark Daly will be delighted to know that I have been advocating action on Irish sign language for years. I spoke about Irish sign language at the meeting. A motion was passed yesterday and it will be forwarded to the relevant authorities in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. I assure the Senator that we are working on the matter.

With regard to music programmes, it has been found that music helps those with dementia. While the benefits of doing crosswords, Sudoku, etc., have always been known, new research has shown that grey matter increases significantly among those who do physical exercise. I encourage everyone to get up on his or her exercise machine.

They say prevention is as good as a cure but perhaps not in this case. I do not have the details of the new research but we should all promote it. I congratulate the Alzheimer Society on its 30 years of hard work and I hope that we can do what it requests of us.