Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

933. To ask the Minister for Health when he intends to publish the national strategy for dementia; the reason for the delay in its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33546/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The number of people living with dementia in Ireland is expected to increase threefold to approximately 132,000 by 2041. The Government has accordingly given a commitment to develop a national Alzheimer’s and other dementias strategy to increase awareness, ensure early diagnosis and intervention and ensure development of enhanced community based services. In April 2013, the Minister for Health and I established a National Advisory Group to assist in developing the Irish National Dementia Strategy. The formulation of a meaningful Strategy, in a context where State finances are limited, was challenging, but work is well advanced and the Strategy will be published in the coming months. Implementation will commence immediately after publication, with the initial emphasis being on actions that can be progressed within existing resources.