Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú:

We managed to reduce the number of external assessments significantly. They were running at more than 4,000 in 2007 and 2008 and we reduced that figure to around 2,000. The lowest level reached was 1,700. We would prefer not to be in a position where this was playing such a major part in the overall provision. The Minister is very interested - appropriately - in well-being which features very strongly in the action plan.