Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have just celebrated a wonderful month of Pride. This Saturday, Limerick Pride is taking place. There will also be a rally in Cork on trans matters, which are very important. There is a duty on all of us to support members of the trans community. We must remember that these are people, members of our Republic and citizens of this State, as are their families, and they should be treated accordingly. People should reflect upon that.

I ask the Leader to facilitate a debate in the autumn following the Alzheimer Society of Ireland's very important pre-budget submission today, which referred to the lack of dementia support for members of the LGBT community. The 64,000 men and women of our country who are suffering from Alzheimer's disease today must be supported. Not only that, but their families and those who care for them must also be supported, especially within their own homes so they can stay at home for as long as possible. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland told us that by 2045 it is expected that 150,000 of us will have Alzheimer's disease or dementia. That is a startling figure. Its pre-budget request is a very interesting one in that it is not about money. It is about the supports, the investment and the scaffolding of care we can give people. I would ask people who did not go to the pre-budget hearing today to engage with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. There is nothing for members of the LGBT community around dementia care. I would hope to have that debate in the autumn.