Mr. Tadhg Daly:

As I have said in the statement, there is no accountability or negotiation whatsoever with the HSE. In effect, it sets its own fees irrespective of anything else. Based on my statement, I argue that, given that a number of nursing homes closed last year and that the regulator has highlighted the fact that they have closed due to financial and viability concerns, the fee in the private sector is lowballed, which has serious implications for the sustainability and viability of the sector and for the continued growth required in the sector given the ageing population. Quality will also be an issue.