The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) has welcomed the new Irish Government’s draft programme for Government, which outlines substantial commitments to support people living with dementia and their carers over the next five years. With dementia on the rise across Europe, these initiatives offer valuable insights into shaping policy for a growing population with complex needs. After the general elections held in November 2024, a new Government was formally formed last week, bringing together coalition partners from the centre-right Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parties, along with independent parliamentarians. The programme outlines key measures to strengthen Ireland's dementia services. Among the highlights are plans to establish a National Dementia Registry, crucial for mapping services and ensuring equitable access.
The Government has also committed to increasing capacity with 20 new dementia-specific day care centres, doubling funding for home-based day care, and expanding the availability of dementia advisers and memory assessment support services. Additionally, there is a focus on young-onset dementia support and enhanced home care, including more funding for dementia intensive home care packages. Carers, who play a vital role, are also prioritised in the programme. Planned reforms include progressively increasing carer’s allowance, phasing out means testing, and introducing new financial supports, such as a pay-related carer’s benefit for those who must leave work suddenly to provide full-time care. Another significant focus is on workforce development.
The Government plans to address staffing shortages and disparities in pay for charity and voluntary sector workers, ensuring the long-term viability of these essential services. Ireland also aims to enhance access to new treatments, aligning its efforts with European strategies. Despite these positive commitments, the programme has neglected some core areas. A full review of Ireland’s 2014 National Dementia Strategy is overdue, and funding for the comprehensive Model of Care for Dementia (2023) must be prioritised to provide an integrated pathway of support. Pay inequities for charity workers and home care staff also require swift resolution. Another area of concern is on workforce development for the sector. The Government plans to address staffing shortages and disparities in pay for charity and voluntary sector workers, ensuring the long-term viability of these essential services. This became a key election issue, but unfortunately there is a lack of any firm commitment to do this in the near future. With the next steps, Ireland demonstrates how targeted investments, a strong carer focus, and collaboration with European partners can transform dementia care. By sharing these strategies, other nations can draw inspiration to address the growing challenges of dementia within their own populations.
Read The ASI’s full statement here: Statements from The Alzheimer Society of Ireland - Alzheimer
For more, visit DementiaPledge.ie