Niall Blaney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairperson very much for the meeting she arranged yesterday, which was very useful. The Minister of State is very welcome to the House. I am very much aware of the work she has done prior to the role she is in now. I am also very aware of the esteem in which she holds her brief but also the priority she affords the whole area of brain health, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Like Senator Carrigy, I am all too aware of the condition of Alzheimer's disease. My father suffered from it as did three of his brothers and two of his sisters. I suppose my knowledge is based on my father's time. Much of the time, we think about the individual who has Alzheimer's disease but in many cases, there is a carer behind the scenes who keeps the show on the road. They are the full-time carers and in many instances, they are not getting the support they deserve and need.

I remember in days gone by the pressure and the need for respite my mother needed when my father was coming towards the end of his time. In many instances, people like her in that position do not get the support they need. This is a massive strain on their mental health in their condition. In most cases, we are talking about individuals in their later years.

Whatever package the Minister of State can now bring about must be in recognition of that fact. The fair deal scheme has the ability to provide that package and those supports to people caring for a patient in the home in many cases. The scheme is there to give families the support, particularly in terms of respite. Respite is as important to those carers as it is to the care of the patient. It has to be all in. We look forward to any proposals the Minister of State has in this regard. I thank her for being here with us today.