Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the witnesses to the committee this morning and I thank them for giving up their time. I am the Fianna Fáil spokesperson on disability and I deal with a lot of people who are post stroke and some of the patients are left with horrific injuries, as Dr. Collins well knows. Have the witnesses any suggestions on preventative measures? Could there be a public campaign on healthy living? An acquired disability is very hard, not only on the person but also on their families. All of their lives are turned upside down. In some cases, perhaps with better lifestyle choices, the disabilities could have been prevented. The witnesses might share their thoughts on that aspect.

I note the HSE has successfully piloted a home-grown heart failure prevention service on the east coast and that there are plans for the midlands also. I am flying my own parish here but Cork needs more services there. Will Professor McDonald indicate if there are any plans for that area? Cork and Kerry seem to be a little bit left behind in this field. The Irish Heart Foundation advises that diagnosis is often late due to inadequate availability of diagnostic tools. This appears to be the case in Cork. Can this be resolved? How would Professor McDonald suggest it can be resolved?