Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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691. To ask the Minister for Health to provide greater clarity on the programme for Government’s commitment to roll out more early-age dementia supports and for increased funding for the fair deal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4698/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government makes a range of commitments in relation to dementia, including a commitment to increase early-age dementia supports. The 2014 National Dementia Strategy recognises the unique challenges faced by people with young onset dementia, many of whom are still working and will have financial responsibilities including mortgages and parental and family responsibilities. The Strategy acknowledges that people with young onset dementia may find it difficult to fit into existing dementia service provision, which is generally tailored to the needs of older people.

In Budget 2024 the Government allocated funding of €300,000 to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland to pilot activity clubs for people with young onset dementia. Seven clubs were in place by the end of 2024, with five additional clubs to open in early 2025. Recurring funding for the activity clubs has been provided in Budget 2025. The activity clubs provide an opportunity for people with young onset dementia to socialise with their peers while engaging in enjoyable activities that match their interests. The clubs also provide a break from caring for families.

The provision of additional supports for people with young onset dementia will be considered in Budget 2026 and subsequent budgets, taking into consideration the recommendations regarding diagnosis, disclosure of a diagnosis, and post-diagnostic supports for people under the age of 65 contained in the 2023 Dementia Model of Care.

With regard to the Programme for Government commitment to increase funding for Fair Deal, the Nursing Home Support Scheme was designed to protect and support vulnerable people, to ensure equal access to nursing home care based on what they could afford. This gives certainty to people and families.

The Minister is cognisant that the budget must support all residents under the Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS) for the full calendar year. An additional and significant increase of €67.6 million was allocated to support nursing homes in Budget 2025. Year-on-year funding increases for Fair Deal have seen the budget increase from €968 million in 2019 to €1.221 billion for 2025. The Scheme is also funded by residents’ contributions, which amount to approximately €300m each year.