Teresa Costello (Fianna Fail)

I wish to highlight the significance of the Alzheimer’s tea days taking place across Ireland today. Now in its 31st year, this national event, organised by the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland, brings communities together over a cup of tea to raise vital funds and awareness for the 64,000 people living with dementia and their families. The funds raised today support essential services, such as daycare, home care, dementia advisers and a national helpline, which are lifelines for many families navigating the challenges of dementia.

I wish to personally acknowledge the staff of Rose Cottage Day Care in Tallaght, where my dad attends daycare. He absolutely loves it. It not only benefits him but also my mother, who is his primary carer. This year, the campaign has been supported by singer Daniel O'Donnell, who recorded a special rendition of Shunie Crampsey’s song "Times Change, Nothing Lasts Forever" in memory of his late mother-in-law who lived with dementia.His tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the personal impact of this condition and the importance of community solidarity. As I drove to work this morning, I listened to an interview with Daniel where the song was played and I have to say it brought to a tear to my eye. For anyone else who listened to the interview and heard the song, I am thinking of you today. I will read out the first line of the song as it really sums up Alzheimer's disease. It is:

There is a chair there by the window where she spends most of her time

And it is hard to say, if anything, just what's going through her mind.

I would also like to acknowledge my party colleague, Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, who, on behalf of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, hosted an Oireachtas tea day yesterday. It was a lovely morning filled with plenty of cups of tea, cakes and traditional music. I encourage everyone to participate in tea day events, whether by hosting or attending a gathering or simply raising a cup in support.

I would also like to ask the Minister to revisit opening hours of daycare centres, some of which have not returned to their pre-Covid opening hours. They provide a vital service to patients and carers and I would appreciate the Minister commenting on this.