Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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695. To ask the Minister for Health if he will examine the situation of the under-supply of respite beds for those with dementia, as over 30,000 persons have dementia and there are 66 respite beds available across 54 specialist care units in nursing homes, which equates to just one respite bed for 450 persons with dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20415/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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A priority action for the National Dementia Strategy is that the Health Service Executive will consider how best to configure resources currently invested in home care packages and respite care so as to facilitate people with dementia to continue living in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and to improve the supports available for carers.

A Single Assessment Tool for older people is also being developed by the HSE to assess need and allocate services and supports in the most effective way possible. The Single Assessment Tool will include provision for assessment of the needs of carers as well as the needs of those with dementia being cared for.

In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with the HSE.