“The Irish Government is ignoring the health crisis of our time” - This was the emotional message from Dr Helen Rochford Brennan, at the launch of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) Pre-Budget Submission 2020 “Dementia Supports Across Ireland – Still Asking, Still Waiting, Still Struggling”, launched in July 2019.
The ASI is calling on the Irish Government to urgently fund community supports and home care for people living with dementia. The Submission details what the EUR 18.4 million national investment proposal could begin to do, to support people with dementia and their struggling families across the country.
At the launch there was the highest ever turnout of TDs (members of parliament), Senators and political representatives - 58 in total. Over 40 of these also signed a pledge to commit their support to lobby the Government for a minimum level of dementia services and supports in every county, a very encouraging start to the campaign.
The speakers included Chair of The ASI, John Clifford, CEO Pat McLoughlin and carer, journalist and advocate Teena Gates. Dr Rochford Brennan, Chair of the European Working Group of People with Dementia (EWGPWD) who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2012, also gave a moving presentation, emphasising the theme of the campaign. She is tired of still asking, still waiting and still struggling.
Her presentation was accompanied by a video capturing her advocacy work over the last 6 years. Dr Rochford Brennan has witnessed numerous “false dawns” as successive Budget Days have come and gone without any ring-fenced funding for dementia-specific supports and services.
All of the presentations and this video are available to view on The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s YouTube channel.
For more information, please contact Avril Easton, Advocacy Manager, on avril.easton@alzheimer.ie
Pictured: ASI staff, advocates and volunteers outside Dail Eireann for the PBS launch
