Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Does she think they could be convinced to return to the caring sector?

It is predicted that demand will increase by 50% in the next 12 years. Why are systems not being put in place more quickly to ensure the health service can cope with this? Staff turnover is high. Can this be addressed as a matter of urgency, especially as it has been advised that continuity of care is of the utmost importance?

Mr. Murphy has advised that 25,000 additional carers are needed without delay. Where did he get that figure from? What efforts are being made to regulate this sector? What are the immediate differences between the work ethics and practices of private and public sector workers?

Mr. Healy has cited figures pertaining to the services that are offered. Other speakers have highlighted alarming deficiencies in the system. Is there a big disconnect here? Given that intensive home care packages are treated separately, is it wise to combine home help and home care packages? At a time the demand for home care services is increasing, surely additional investment in this vital sector is needed, particularly as it brings about savings for the taxpayer and takes pressure off the hospital system.

The Acting Chairman has alluded to the 2011 recommendation of the LRC that there should be regulation. In the opinion of the witnesses, what has been done to achieve this?