Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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The purpose of today's meeting is to engage with representatives from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Family Carers Ireland on the health needs of persons with dementia and the services available to them. I am pleased to welcome from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland Mr. Andy Heffernan, chief executive officer, Ms Clodagh Whelan, advocacy manager, and Dr. Laura O'Philbin, research and policy manager, and from Family Carers Ireland Mr. John Dunne, chief executive officer, and Ms Clare Duffy, policy and public affairs manager.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by me to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask all members participating via MS Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making their contribution.

To commence our consideration of dementia, I now invite Mr. Heffernan to make his opening remarks on behalf of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.