Calls for minister to make dementia healthcare a priority

Minister for Health Mary Harney is being called on to give dementia healthcare priority in her forthcoming package for the elderly.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland claims that elderly people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s face indirect discrimination, social exclusion and prejudice.

The Society has demanded that Harney ensures the healthcare system is made more accessible for elderly people with dementia

Chief executive of the group, Maurice O'Connell, said he has no details of the content of the new package, but wants dementia care to be at its focus.