Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Not yet. The Chairman will ask Ms Edghill to respond later. What is the current system? I understand how stretched front-line service staff are within the HSE system, but is there any facilitation currently? To what extent is the need? Let us all join the foundation in trying to have that particular matter addressed. It is a common-sense measure that needs to be done appropriately and adequately.

I welcome Mr. Hannigan's affirmation of the need, not only to restore, but also to improve support for carers. I appreciate his remarks that reflected on the committee's engagement with the previous panel.

The submission from Home and Community Care Ireland, HCCI, contains two points that might merit expansion. Both are interesting. I endorse the first, namely, incentivising people to take on work in the home care sector. Unquestionably, this is important. There may be a range of measures involved, not only monetary. Where that need presents, people are really challenged. They are challenged by what they want to do as well as all the other factors that make more difficult the obstacles that can present. This relates to the HCCI's third recommendation.

It is also necessary to consider the entire issue. Sometimes, we can say societally that people are able to provide for themselves, but this is not always the case. There can be false notions of people who have lived through particular income streams. I am referring specifically to recommendation No. 5 on the extension of the definition under IT47 so as to include for tax relief entitlements the provision of these supports for those who may, on the face of it, appear to be in a position to provide for themselves. This may not always be the case. Mr. Harty instanced cases of people who were being forced to consider residential institutions for care. Will he expand on that point?

I apologise to Mr. Daly and Nursing Homes Ireland, NHI, as I am not able to focus on specifics. Our overall experience, and my experience personally, is that the overwhelming number of nursing home providers in the private and voluntary sectors are providing an excellent service. We would be lost without them. There tends to be a focus on specific reports that can have a challenging impact on many of those who are adhering to the highest standards. It is only fair that a balance be struck.

Regarding mental health reform, I wish to ask Dr. McDaid about two points.