Politicians will put on their walking boots and head for the hills this weekend in an effort to raise funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

TDs and Senators from across the political spectrum will take part in the Houses of the Oireachtas Hill Walk which will take place in Sliabh Beagh, Co Monaghan on Sunday, 11 July. Oireachtas members, staff and members of the public are undertaking this trek in a bid to raise funds to help The Alzheimer Society of Ireland which provides services for people with all forms of dementia.

This is the third year of the walk. Last year’s event, held in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Co Offaly was extremely successful and more than sixty people participated. Jimmy Deenihan TD, of the Oireachtas Hill Walkers Group said, “We were delighted with the support received from all sides of the House to last year’s event and we are hoping to increase the amount raised this year. We would encourage anybody who would like to take part in the walk to get involved and help to generate as much money as possible.”

Oireachtas members taking part in the walk include Jimmy Deenihan TD, Liz McManus TD, Caoimghin O’Caoláin TD and Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill. Chief Executive of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland Maurice O’Connell said, “I thank all the TDs and Senators for lending their support to our cause and in helping us to continue to provide services to thousands of people living with dementia who depend on our vital services and guidance. Every year our organisation needs to raise more than €4 million and fundraising initiatives like the Oireachtas Walk are essential in allowing us to reach that target.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the walk can contact the Alzheimer Society of Ireland at 01 207 3800 or visit www.alzheimer.ie.