Minister for Health Simon Harris welcomed the announcement from the Department of Rural and Community Development of the approval of the 2018 Dormant Accounts Action Plan.
Minister Harris, in welcoming the additional funding of more than €6.46m that has been made available to the Department of Health for a wide range of health- related projects, said that
the measures being supported are additional to the work of my Department and aim to support some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society.
Welcoming the funding for projects aimed at older people, people with dementia and carers, Minister Daly said
this significant allocation will have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those who will benefit from these projects.
Minister Daly stressed the importance of improving dementia care and resources across the country, noting that funding would be used to create timely, tailored and individualised community supports across the country, as well as improving dementia training for thousands of HSE home care staff.
Minister Daly also warmly welcomed funding for physical activity programmes for older people, saying
Research shows that regular exercise among older people can reduce risk factors for chronic disease, improve functional independence, and offer longer good health. This funding will help people live healthier, happier lives.
Minister McGrath welcomed funding of €775,000 specifically for disability projects, noting that
the measures approved in this Action Plan will put in place a number of supports to provide equality of opportunity for people with disabilities and their families and improve the quality of their lives, and help build a social network for people with disabilities within their community.
Minister Byrne welcomed the provision of €710,000 for a community development and health programme for particularly disadvantaged communities. She said
this programme will empower these communities to make positive changes to their health and wellbeing, building on the objectives of Healthy Ireland.
Minister Byrne also welcomed the allocation of €500,000 to support initiatives which address factors contributing to health inequality.