Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is an important issue that needs to be looked at.I do not in any way criticise what has occurred, but in fairness, in recent years we have more debates and discussions on the matter and many positive things have been done. For example, we had the national positive ageing strategy, which was a plan for an ageing society from 2011 to 2016. The strategy is now up for review.

Other plans include the healthy and positive ageing initiative and the Irish national dementia strategy. Dementia is now a major challenge. Approximately 50,000 people in this country have dementia. The indications are that over the next 20 to 25 years the number will increase to well over 100,000 and we must plan for that as well. The dementia strategy implementation programme has been drawn up and €27.5 million has been made available for it. That amount includes private funding of €12 million, which is very helpful. We do not have much time available and we must start to work now to increase the availability of home care services and home care packages. We must ensure an adequate number of people are trained to provide home care. We must also ensure an adequate number of training places are available. There is a range of issues on which we need to work and we must follow through in that regard. I thank those responsible for tabling this motion for discussion. I look forward to hearing the Minister of State's response in due course.