Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As we all know, the services and supports for people with dementia are patchy and fall short of what people need. That is why we need political courage, imagination and resources to respond to the dementia challenge. That is why, with Deputy Mary Butler, I have convened an all-party Oireachtas group on dementia so Ireland, like similar sized countries such as Scotland and Denmark, can be a great place to live well with dementia. We all need to know about dementia and work on the dementia challenge. That is why the all-party Oireachtas group on dementia, as part of a national awareness campaign, has convened dementia awareness training tomorrow. I ask the Leader and all Members to attend the dementia awareness training in the AV room at 11 a.m. tomorrow for 45 minutes.Although common in other parliaments this is the first of its kind in our Parliament. It would be wonderful to see as many Members as possible at it. It is an act of solidarity with people with dementia so they know they are not alone, that people are listening to them and are aware of their challenges. It would be a great boost. Helen Rochford Brennan will speak at it. She appeared on the "Late Late Show" last Friday night. She is a very persuasive woman and she spoke about her dementia. I invite Members to come and to bring a colleague. It is 45 minutes out of their busy day, but an important 45 minutes. It will be great to see everybody. We will take names and we will come back for those who do not make it tomorrow, because there will be other opportunities.