Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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850. To ask the Minister for Health to implement the National Dementia Strategy; to provide ring-fenced funding for dementia and develop a second strategy to ensure persons with dementia are supported to live well in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10336/16]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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910. To ask the Minister for Health if he has requested his officials to examine the dementia strategies in the United Kingdom; if he will follow the example there on investing in dementia research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10498/16]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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911. To ask the Minister for Health to provide funding to allow persons with dementia to remain in their homes and to be supported and cared for there; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10499/16]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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912. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the National Dementia Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10500/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 850 and 910 to 912, inclusive, together.

The Irish National Dementia Strategy was launched in December 2014, with the objective of increasing awareness, ensuring early diagnosis and intervention and developing enhanced community based services.

Preparation of the Irish National Dementia Strategy was informed by

- a Research Review, which included a review of best practice in dementia care locally and internationally; and

- a specific Review of international dementia policies, plans and strategies.

The Strategy seeks to progress the dual and overarching principles of personhood and citizenship by enabling people with dementia to maintain their identity, resilience and dignity, and by recognising that they remain valued, independent citizens who, along with their carers, have the right to be fully included as active citizens in society.

It is Government policy that, wherever possible and appropriate, people should be cared for in their own homes and communities, and the National Dementia Strategy specifically restates this commitment to those living with dementia.

The Strategy also commits to supporting and giving appropriate priority to research to inform the design and delivery of dementia services in Ireland.

The Department of Health and the HSE have agreed a joint initiative with the Atlantic Philanthropies to implement significant elements of the Strategy over the period 2014-2017. This Implementation Programme represents a combined investment of €27.5m, with the Atlantic Philanthropies contributing €12m and the HSE €15.5m.

Key elements of the initiative include:

- the roll-out of a programme of Intensive Home Supports and Home Care Packages for people with dementia valued at €22.1 million over a three year period;

- the provision of additional dementia-specific resources for GPs, to include training materials and guidance on local services and contact points valued at €1.2 million;

- measures to raise public awareness, address stigma and promote the inclusion and involvement in society of those with dementia valued at €2.7 million.

A National Office for Dementia has been established within the HSE to coordinate the implementation of the Strategy. Up to 500 people with dementia and their families are expected to benefit from Intensive Home Care Packages over the lifetime of the implementation programme. Work on the design of a programme of education and training in dementia care for primary care teams and GPs has commenced and is being led from UCC in conjunction with DCU and the ICGP. Work has also begun on a dementia awareness campaign called Dementia Friendly Ireland which is being led by the HSE's Health and Wellbeing Division.

A Monitoring Group, chaired by the Department of Health, is working to assist with and advise on implementation of the National Dementia Strategy. This Group also includes health professionals, administrators, researchers and advocates. It also includes a person living with dementia and a representative of those who care for people with dementia.