David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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822. To ask the Minister for Health the protocols for giving sedatives to persons with dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26503/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In line with a recommendation from the National Dementia Strategy, my Department and the HSE's National Dementia Office have developed a national clinical guideline on the appropriate prescribing of psychotropic medication for non-cognitive symptoms in people with dementia. The Guideline, which was published in December 2019, provides evidence-based recommendations on the indications and risks of psychotropic medications for a person with dementia who has non-cognitive symptoms, such as anxiety or agitation. 

With regard to protocols for giving sedatives, as this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.