Mr. Cian O'Dowd:

I will say a few words about the skill mix. One of the leading reasons NCHDs, in particular, are leaving this country is because they feel they are carrying out too many non-core tasks. That is listed as the third highest reason, after under-staffing and career progression issues. There is a need for task transfer in certain areas and there is provision in the MacCraith report for that. My understanding so far is that it is not really known the extent to which the transfer of tasks has actually occurred. I accept the point there is scope for it to be looked at. As Dr. McGarry suggested, there is a need for allied health care professionals within the primary care system but they have to be there in sufficient number. Resources have to be provided in order for a GP to adequately refer to them. It is only in that context that there can be a properly operating primary care system.