Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I know that is a sincere offer and I will take her up on it. Eighty-five people are getting access to the intensive home care packages but all of us in the Seanad probably know 85 people who need them. The need is vast, and we must make sure that we are getting to the body of people who need that kind of help because people are struggling in the here and now. People have lost faith in strategies. It has been said that we have strategy deficiency implementation disorder in Ireland. We encourage people to believe there is real intent but we must ensure those strategies, commitments and investments are reaching people with dementia to allow them live well, as they wish to and can do, and that their carers are properly supported. I believe that until such time as this service is put on an entitlement and a statutory footing, we will continue to struggle with this it. I welcome the Minister's commitment to work on it.