Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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692. To ask the Minister for Health her plans to increase the number of places for individuals who need 24/7 care due to suffering with early-onset dementia who are under 65 years-of-age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4699/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The 2025 Programme for Government commits both to rolling out more young onset dementia supports and to the inclusion of dementia-specific provision across all new Community Nursing Units.

Budget 2025 has a focus on dementia supports in the community and has provided recurring funding of €300,000 to allow ASI to provide activity clubs for young onset dementia, which were piloted in 2024. These clubs provide peer support for people with young onset dementia and an opportunity to engage in enjoyable activities that match their interests.

While the majority of people with dementia live in the community, there will come a time for many when home care may no longer be feasible or appropriate and when long-term residential care will be the best option, particularly where 24-hour care is needed or when the person with dementia is living alone. Most people with dementia who require nursing home care live in generic facilities, while a minority live in specialist dementia care units. The 2016 HIQA national standards for residential care facilities for older people in Ireland include a focus on quality of life and a person-centred approach to care for all residents, including residents with dementia.

The need for additional supports for people living with young onset dementia and their families will be carefully examined by the Department of Health and the HSE, and this will include the possibility of a specific focus on young onset dementia as part of the Programme for Government commitment to include dementia-specific provision across all new Community Nursing Units.