Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 524: To ask the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to developing a dementia strategy to focus on the needs of the estimated 5,000 citizens under 65 years of age with early on-set Alzheimer's and their families [24263/12]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 527: To ask the Minister for Health the progress to date in developing a National Dementia Strategy as outlined in the Programme for Government. [24337/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 524 and 527 together.

The Programme for Government gave a commitment to develop a National Strategy on Dementia by 2013 which will increase awareness, ensure early diagnosis and intervention, and enhance community based services for all people living with this condition. The first stage of the process, which was to assemble the research and evidence upon which the policy will be developed, was recently completed. The findings of the review were published and presented to the Minister. The report is available at www.doh.ie.

The next step will take the form of a public consultation process over the summer and details of how this will be carried out are currently being considered. Following on from the consultation process a Working Group will be established, towards the end of the year, to develop the strategy.

The strategy will include all those affected by dementia including those under 65.