Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Perry, back to the House. I also commend the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, on his excellent speech. He pointed us in the right direction by outlining what is being done and what was outlined in the programme for Government. I welcome the cross-party support by Senators. This is a great day for the Seanad and we are all singing from the same hymn sheet.

Much of what I had planned to say has already been covered by my fellow Senators. Everyone has mentioned the importance of early diagnosis and training for doctors and diagnosticians.

I also welcome the mental capacity Bill and add my voice of support. It is imperative that the Bill is brought forward and published as soon as possible. As has been said today, it would be brilliant to have it published during the first six months of next year during Ireland's Presidency of the European Union.

In reference to planning for the future, I would like to highlight the work that has been done by all of the excellent societies and associations. The Alzheimer Society has been congratulated on its 30th anniversary but there are many other groups that provide care and services. I note that Mr. Diarmuid Hanifin from Amnesty International was here earlier. I also note the work done by Older & Bolder, the Positive Age groups and through the national positive ageing strategy. Recently I launched positive ageing week in Dundalk and I was amazed to see the services that are available and provided by volunteers.

I wish to mention the work done by the Irish Hospice Foundation through its Think Ahead project. It urges people to think about and pre-record their wishes in the event of serious illness or death. The Think Ahead form was launched on 12 October at the forum on the end of life and I was involved in the project. A pilot programme is being rolled out in County Louth. It is one of the counties being used for the pilot scheme. The Think Ahead project presents us with a wonderful opportunity. I urge everybody, from fellow colleagues to associations, to watch out for the scheme being rolled out in their area as it gives everyone an opportunity to plan for later in life. For people in the early stages of dementia the form is a wonderful tool and will ensure that their wishes are carried out even when they are no longer able to speak for themselves. The scheme is invaluable when a person's capacity to make important choices fluctuates. I have mentioned how important it is to introduce and publish the mental capacity Bill as soon as possible.

An issue was brought to my attention this week by someone who works in dementia care and the issue was not raised earlier. I refer to the safeguarding of people with dementia who are at risk of abuse, particularly in their homes. We all hope that the children's referendum will be passed on 10 November. It will ensure that children at risk can be removed to a place of safety in order to protect them in exceptional circumstances. So much work must also be done to protect a person with dementia who is at risk. At present the only places of safety that are available to them are the accident and emergency department of a hospital or a Garda barracks. Neither is suitable for a severely confused person. I want to bring the matter to the Minister of State's attention and I ask for it to be considered when the strategy is being rolled out. I know that some work has been done and is ongoing regarding the matter. It is vital that we examine it further.

As has been said many times today, carers are the lynchpin and we could not provide a service without them. I wish to express my sincere thanks to them for all of their work. There are thousands of carers and they provide care to dementia sufferers, people with disabilities and older people. Yesterday I spoke to a girl who rang me because she was distraught and worried about her 92-year old grandparents. She was simply looking for a night's sleep and wanted care to be provided. The care service is important. Again, I thank the carers for all of the work they do.