Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2024
744. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the development of a national dementia registry; the timeline he is working towards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29440/24]
View answerSince I became Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health and Older People in 2020, I have worked to progressively increase funding for dementia services and supports so that everyone with dementia, and their families, has the support that they need to live as well and as independently as possible.
Last May, the HSE published its comprehensive Model of Care for Dementia, which addresses the needs of all people living with dementia and sets out care pathways to advance timely diagnosis and post-diagnostic support and care for them and their carers.
To implement the Model of Care, the Government has funded the establishment of 25 Regional Specialist Memory Clinics nationwide, as well as new Memory Assessment and Support Services and post-diagnostic supports, for people living with dementia. There are now 29 Dementia Advisers providing a service in every county. They play a crucial role engaging with people with dementia, their families, and their carers, to provide free and confidential support including help with connecting with essential services, often at a time of crisis.
For 2024 an additional recurring €500,000 has been allocated for dementia day care at home, as well as €300,000 in once-off funding for weekend activity clubs for people with young onset dementia. The additional day care at home has commenced, and the weekend activity clubs are scheduled to start in September.
I will continue to prioritise the needs of people living with dementia, and their families, and build on the existing provisions which are in place. I fully support the rollout of a National Dementia Registry to improve data collection on dementia and the need to expand dementia services further in order to support people affected by dementia. All developments will have to be considered in a wider budgetary and policy context as part of the 2025 Estimates process.
