I would like to take the opportunity to speak on this issue which affects thousands of families across this country, many in my own constituency. Dementia is not just a health issue. It is a family issue, a community issue, and a societal issue. Behind every diagnosis is a person whose life has changed and has a spouse, son, daughter, neighbour or friend who is adapting to new responsibilities and challenges. In County Laois, we know the reality of this challenge. It is estimated that we have 800 people in Laois who are living with dementia. Given demographic changes and our ageing population, that number is very likely to grow. I acknowledge the vital role played by local facilities in Laois, including St. Vincent's Community Nursing Unit in Mountmellick, which provides care for older people, including people with dementia and complex care needs. I also recognise the contribution of St. Brigid's Hospital in Shaen, County Laois, which provides long-term residential care and supports for people with dementia, palliative care, and respite needs. These facilities, together with healthcare workers, carers, and families, provide essential services to our community. I want to take this opportunity to invite to the Minister of State to visit these excellent facilities in Laois, to meet the staff, residents and family and to see at first hand their outstanding work. An area where we continue to see significant pressure is in respite care for families caring for a loved one. It is a vital support in continuing to provide care at home while also protecting their own health and well-being. Families are waiting too long for respite placements and carers are reaching crisis point before support becomes available. In Laois, we have Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit available to provide respite care for the whole of our county. There are nine respite beds for the entirety of County Laois. We must ensure that respite capacity keeps pace with demand. This requires investment in dedicated respite beds, community services, and appropriate supports. Supporting family carers reduces pressure on hospitals and residential care services. We must also strengthen palliative and end-of-life care for people living with dementia by ensuring specialist services work closely with community teams, residential settings, and family carers. Families also need support during this difficult time. Improving early diagnosis and access to dementia-specific supports is essential. Early intervention allows people and families to plan, to access supports sooner, and to maintain independence for as long as possible. Community supports are particularly important in rural counties such as Laois. Transport accessibility and proximity to services can have a major impact on whether people can continue to live well in their own community. The message from families is very clear that people living with dementia want to remain connected to their communities and families want to know what else is available when they need it. Government must continue to invest in dementia services through the whole-of-government approach. Dementia policy must be about supporting people to live with dignity and maintaining their quality of life. Our responsibility as legislators is to ensure that no family feels alone after a dementia diagnosis. By investing in community services, respite care, and supports for carers, we can build a system that respects the dignity of people living with dementia and their families. I pay tribute to the many family carers across Laois and the many support groups and volunteers working in this area. Their contribution is huge. They provide care every single day, often behind closed doors and without recognition. I join everybody else here today in acknowledging Jordan and Cian Adams in the Public Gallery and commend them on their huge achievement. People like them bring attention to dementia. This is my first time since being elected to Dáil Éireann that I have addressed this House on a question like this where not only is there one Minister but there are three present. I thank the Ministers of State for that because that shows the interest that this Government has in providing services for families and people with dementia.

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