Ms Frances Spillane:

To add to Mr. Deegan's comments, Deputy Durkan also asked whether private providers are cost effective. As Mr. Deegan stated, the services offered by private providers complement in many ways the services directly provided by the HSE. From speaking to HSE managers, it appears private providers can provide services at times when HSE services may not be available. This sometimes helps families, for example, if services are needed between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. when people are returning from work. This provides greater flexibility.