Mr. Andy Heffernan:

I agree with that. First, with regard to Bloomfield, the CEO and I go back a few years elsewhere and we have started that communication there as well.

The Deputy mentioned innovation and the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. What we also rolled out in the past two to three years was a TY programme for transition year students, which is across six modules online that are all about brain health etc., and what dementia is, trying to destigmatise it once again, and to garner intergenerational solidarity as well. Lots of these kids have grandparents or whatever who may have it as well, and there is a huge interest with that cohort. That is something we are working hard on. Quite a number of schools picked up on that, and we have already done an evaluation on it as well. It is a very powerful piece, and it is something that the schools themselves really value.

The socioeconomic impact of dementia diagnosis, etc., was mentioned. One modifiable risk factor is educational attainment, so that is going to be an issue that can contribute. That lack of education can contribute to more of a propensity for dementia into the future but that is across what I think is a total of 12 different risk factors. What we find, and what we are really focusing in on this year, are the different groupings in Ireland. If you go into one of our day centres, are we as diverse as the population is? I would have to say we are not.

We are very anxious to work with minorities, including Travellers and so on, to overcome some of the cultural stigmas with regard to reaching out, looking for help or accessing services. It is an issue we have recognised and we are very much directed in that way as part of our strategy.