Mr. Tadhg Daly:

I do not want to sit here in a couple of years' time and tell the committee that more have closed. It would not be in anyone's interests, particularly given that we have an ageing population, but it is the reality and what I am hearing every day from our members who are literally living hand to mouth in trying to keep their businesses afloat. More than 70% are small family-run businesses. I argue that many providers are probably not remunerating themselves appropriately for their work. Family members may be helping out in many cases. That is the reality on the ground for a 24/7 business.

On quality, HIQA's previous report pointed out that providers were striving continuously to improve their services. However, if we continue to exert downward pressure on fees, it will have a serious impact on the sustainability of services and quality.