National dementia strategy
Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asks about progress on the national dementia strategy and related health commitments; the Taoiseach says he will obtain updates and notes that reports are being prepared.
We have in excess of 40,000 people in the country living with dementia. I understand from the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, that the number will more than treble between now and 2041 when we can expect to have 132,000 people living with that particular condition. In April 2013 the Government appointed an advisory group to work on a national dementia strategy. How far has the initiative progressed, and when can we expect publication of the national dementia strategy, which is of vital importance?
A commitment was made in the programme for Government to address the plight of the 32 survivors of thalidomide. I raised the matter with the Taoiseach on several occasions in the House. Unfortunately, the previous Minister for Health failed to effect the commitments made in the programme for Government. Has the Minister for Health engaged with the survivors of thalidomide, and is he in a position to bring about a resolution?
Comment on this
In respect to the second question, I understand the previous Minister did meet with the group but there have been different views within the group as to the best approach to take. I cannot say whether the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, has met with the victims of thalidomide but I will find out.
The programme for Government contained a commitment to review the Mental Health Act 2001. An expert group was set up in 2012 to examine the matter. A final meeting of the group took place on 16 September and a report is being prepared for the Minister, who should have it shortly. I expect the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, will receive the report and decide how best to proceed from there.
Deputy Ó Fearghaíl indicated the scenario he outlined will become a more prevalent reality in the next 20 years and the State should make arrangements to deal with the matter. I made a presentation to the people who deal with end-of-life preparations, which is a very sensitive issue. Unfortunately, it is necessary to examine the situation when people cross the boundary and are not in a position to make decisions for themselves about their future or their assets. The issue raised by the Deputy is part of the general debate and it must be examined.