Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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164. To ask the Minister for Health when he will publish the national strategy on dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42533/14]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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165. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department has considered the approach of the Scottish health authorities to the issue of dementia; if that approach will influence future fresh policy on dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42534/14]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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166. To ask the Minister for Health if he will bring forward a charter of rights for persons with dementia and their carers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42535/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 to 166, inclusive, together.

It is estimated that there are currently approximately 47,000 people with dementia in Ireland and that number is expected to increase threefold to approximately 132,000 by 2041. Accordingly, the Programme for Government contains 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 developing the Strategy, a research review of national dementia plans from nine other countries, including Scotland, was undertaken, and their relevance to Ireland and to our evolving Dementia Strategy was considered and taken account of in framing a Strategy for Ireland. Creating Excellence in Dementia Care: A Research Review for Ireland’s National Dementia Strategy was published on my Department's website in June 2012.

A public consultation process to further inform the development of the Strategy was conducted in 2012 and a report of this was published on my Department’s website in February 2013. A Working Group, representative of key stakeholders from my Department, the HSE, the medical profession and the community and voluntary sector was convened to advise on the preparation of the Strategy. Preparation of the Strategy is now at an advanced stage and the Strategy will be published in the coming months.

The Strategy will have a very practical focus, will be action oriented and will focus on what can be done to make a difference to the lives of people with dementia. Implementation will commence immediately after publication, with the initial emphasis being on actions that can be progressed within existing resources. The Strategy does not envisage the introduction of a charter of rights for people with dementia or their carers, but as well as specific Actions, it will set out a number of Principles to inform the design and delivery of all services and supports for people with dementia.