On 24 September 2021, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland launched its Pre-Budget Submission, "Dementia; The Continuing Crisis". Over 50 members of the Irish Parliament heard powerful testimony from people living with dementia and those who care for and support them.
The organisation engaged in a public consultation with 338 people, evaluated dementia services and undertook extensive research on the impact of COVID-19 on people affected by dementia, to prepare the submission. This evidence, combined with current research and personal stories, was presented to politicians in an event chaired by Helena Quaid, Chair of the Dementia Carers Campaign Network.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland CEO Pat McLoughlin welcomed the continuing engagement with the Department of Health, in particular Minister for Older People and Mental Health Mary Butler who has shown a huge interest in the lived experience of dementia. Pat McLoughlin presented the current funding requests with a strong focus on capital investment in dementia services and the urgent need in communities throughout Ireland.
Pictured: Pat McLoughlin, Jacinta Dixon (Irish Dementia Working Group) and Paddy Crosbie (DCCN) at Leinster House
