Mr. David Walsh:

The HSE is committed to providing PPE and as the CEO said, probably at this committee last week, we are looking at a probable total commitment over a 12 month period of in excess of €1 billion across all sectors. To date across private nursing homes, the HSE has provided in or around €27 million worth of PPE and millions of items. At this time there is no suggestion whatsoever that is going to cease. If anything, as more need is identified, it is met. That being said, in discussions with Nursing Homes Ireland we have encouraged it to continue to explore its own sources because more is better. Until such time as we can not only meet demand but begin to accumulate stock to provide a buffer, I do not think any of us will be satisfied on the overall position regarding PPE.