Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is amusing to hear people coming in here as if this crisis has just happened overnight. We know it is the result of successive Government policies. I have two brief questions. One is on the national treatment purchase fund, NTPF. Ms Clyne briefly touched on it but I would like to get the views of the other witnesses. I have heard it described as a sticking plaster and a short-term solution. It might look good on paper but it is not going to impact long term. I have my own view and it has been well ventilated but I am interested to hear the views of the witnesses.

My other question is on the mental health and well-being of staff. The conditions as described are horrific. The representative organisations will do the best work they can to look after the staff but who is looking after them? Are any programmes in place? Who minds the health and well-being of the people who are minding the health and well-being of the patients?