Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses are doing great work and I will try not to duplicate the questions. With regard to the Irish Hospice Foundation and children's palliative care, I was at a launch a few years ago and the HSE was very positive about how it would make the process sustainable. Will Ms Edghill clarify when the wheels came off that commitment? I thought sustainability was on track so where is the gap in funding? The public has supported these essential nurses through the Irish Hospice Foundation but where is the gap?

With regard to the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, there was mention of school-leavers and I have not been aware of that issue. Why are these people falling into limbo on leaving school and how long does that limbo last? With regard to nursing homes and the continuum of care in the home, there was mention of becoming "anxiety-free". In the previous session we heard that the system is being structured to push people into a system with schemes and support, rather than necessarily allowing a person to be cared for in their home. I welcome any thoughts on how to achieve a continuum of care, although it is not a competing model. We should be considering the person and individual, and where they can be best cared for.

I am concerned about the €70 million promised with regard to Mental Health Reform Ireland. The IMO raised the alcohol issue and I fully endorse the comments. Any time the matter is discussed in these Houses, it should be done as a public health issue and it should not be dealt with by other committees.

For me it is a public health issue.