§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what percentage of his Department's health budget has been allocated to genetic research into the causes of Alzheimer's in each year since 2000; [173267]
(2) what plans he has to increase his Department's health budget allocation to genetic research into the causes of Alzheimer's in the current financial year. [173302]
§ Angela SmithThe Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has not allocated and is not currently planning to allocate any funding for research specifically into the potential genetic causes of Alzheimer's over the period in question. However, it is currently supporting a neurological research programme which is not classed as genetic research. The total budget for this five-year programme is £366,814, including initial funding of £21,913 in 2002–03, £52,570 in 2003–04 and there is a budget provision of £65,679 this year.
§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of his Department's health budget was spent on the development of treatment and care for Alzheimer's sufferers in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the provision for those with Alzheimer's in Northern Ireland. [173273]
§ Angela SmithThe information requested is not available.
The Department recognises that, as people live longer, there will be a corresponding increase in the numbers who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related conditions. The needs of people with these conditions are currently being considered as part of the on-going Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability.