There are 48,000 people living with dementia in Ireland. By the end of the next Government, in 2021, that number will have increased by 40%. Over the next 25 years it will have trebled. Dementia must therefore be a priority in the new Programme for Government.

New National Drugs Strategy
Minister for Drugs Jennifer Murnane O’Connor recently updated me in Seanad Eireann on the new national drugs strategy. Her new strategy is designed to respond to the significant changes in drug-use patterns in Ireland and to ensure equitable access to services across the country. The draft strategy proposes five strategic


