Ms Clodagh Whelan:

The implementation plan for the model of care for dementia is a really important thing for the committee to be aware of. I really welcome the opportunity to highlight that it was developed with clinicians, academics, people living with dementia, family carers, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland team and both of our advocacy groups. It is a plan and provides a cohesive pathway from the moment a patient is concerned about their cognition, memory and any other symptoms, right through to end-of-life care. There are targets provided for in the model of care, so in a way, implementation is built in. We understand that things will not happen overnight, but we believe a time-bound and funded implementation plan is critical for the lives of people affected by dementia.

The Deputy mentioned the all-party Oireachtas group on dementia and his party colleague, Deputy Ryan, is very active in that group. Deputy Lahart mentioned the political context. It is worth saying here, on record, in Leinster House that when we talk to our colleagues in Europe, they are really impressed by the level of engagement we have. We have an excellent working relationship with the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, who has really engaged with both of our advocacy groups. She has engaged with our operations team and she understands the condition. We have excellent support from the all-party group and good engagement around our pre-budget submission. I was talking to Deputy Tully when we launched our Cost of Living While Caring report. We are glad to be here today. We really do feel that there is a political will to support people impacted by dementia. That is very encouraging for us. There could be people at home who are really struggling now. They are hardly watching Oireachtas TV, but they may be aware of what is said. Things are improving, and hopefully, recognising the absolute dire straits that people are in, while knowing that we are all working together to improve them, will provide some comfort.