Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 [38298/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made in the care of patients with Alzheimer's disease; the role that she envisages for voluntary support groups in helping to equip families to deal with the challenges that are presented [38314/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Dementia is a most distressing condition both for those suffering from it and their families, and presents a significant and growing challenge to health and social services. Alzheimer's disease represents about 70% of the cases of dementia.

Research and published work on dementia has outlined the complexity and range of issues involved in the effective management of dementia. This work also emphasises the need for co-ordinated, multi-layered and well-resourced services, which are responsive to the individual needs of people with dementia and of those who care for them.

Over the past number of years there has been continued development of community-based services for older persons. This is reflected in the unprecedented levels of investment in this sector– over €200 million additional funding has been provided for new service developments in recent years. These developments include community nursing, paramedical services, home help services and support to family carers.

As I have indicated previously, my Department has started the process of developing a policy on dementia that will support the delivery of long-term care services having regard to future demographic trends and the consequential increase in demand for long-term care. This policy will be developed on the basis of the best evidence available from national and international sources. Officials in the Department have consulted with relevant stakeholder groups on the first stage of the process. This will be a research phase to include relevant information on current prevalence and future trends in dementia, as well as international strategies and developments, including their outcomes and evaluations.

The Health Services Executive (HSE) is currently exploring the potential for changes in care pathways for people with dementia, and will make recommendations for the future provision of dementia care across all health and social services. An audit is underway within the HSE of the current specialist dementia care services available both in residential/hospital and community services. This audit will inform future planning and development of services for people with dementia. The educational needs of staff will also be identified to inform any future staff requirements for working in the area of dementia care. This work will also feed into the overall Dementia Policy formulation.

The Deputy's question also relates to service matters which is a matter for the HSE. Accordingly this has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.