Mr. Andy Heffernan:

I do not think that applies as much. My initial exposure to dementia was probably 12 or 13 years ago with my mum. What I am hearing at today's committee tallies with that experience, including awareness and difficulty in getting a diagnosis because we did not have those memory assessment clinics, etc. The onset of the strategy ten years ago has really changed the landscape in terms of interest, care for the condition and focus. Cross-party political support is also very important in that regard. When we open new centres and have the grand opening, I always make the point that when politicians, the HSE and organisations such as us come together, it is a very powerful alliance and we can make things happen. We all want the same outcome in any case.

What has also struck me in the past few years of my involvement with the society is the interest among early career researchers throughout Ireland. There is a significant amount, which is replicated across Europe. Dementia is beginning to achieve that parity of esteem with other conditions. Everything is personal to a certain extent, and we are all selfish in our own right, but we all now know that there is a likelihood that even if we do not get the condition, we may be affected through a family member who will get it in future. It is important to know that as well. It has certainly moved on no end in the past ten or 12 years. That is due to the strategy, the awareness campaigns, and understanding of the condition, but there is still a little stigma out there, particularly in more rural areas. I see that on the western seaboard from time to time, where people maybe prefer the home care option for service and support as opposed to going into a centre that says "Alzheimer's". There is still a bit of that out there.