Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Collins and Mr. Johnson to the committee and thank them for their evidence. There is commonality in the statements they have given on the need for an updated cardiovascular disease and stroke strategies. I am sure it is something the committee will take up.

In general, people know what they are supposed to be doing in terms of getting check-ups, eating healthy, taking exercise, not smoking and limiting drinking. Most people are aware of that but putting that into action is a different matter. When we consider the success of the vaccine roll-out for Covid-19 and the fact people volunteered and registered, perhaps we are missing a trick in terms of taking people's blood pressure at the same time, although that would delay appointments. However, there is opportunity through measures such as that to encourage people to lead healthy lives.

Generally, people understand heart attack and stroke but heart failure is a concept many people are not as aware of and maybe it goes under the radar to a degree, but it is a hugely important issue in terms of loss of life and debilitating impact. Perhaps the witnesses would like to comment on the difference in how they would promote that. With regard to the stroke and cardiovascular disease strategies, what practical issues do they envisage in those strategies to encourage people, especially those aged over 60, to get check-ups to monitor their blood pressure, cholesterol and so on?