Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Woods.

Mr. Breslin referred to the fact there has been learning for the next arrangement. Was any consideration given to the long-standing patients currently undergoing treatment and being treated by private consultants, especially those who need regular consultation? We have all been contacted by many private patients. We know there are 2.2 million private patients in Ireland at the moment, and many of them felt they needed ongoing treatment during March, April and May. I accept that it was an unprecedented pandemic, but at the same time many of these patients felt that they were forgotten about. I know all the focus had to be on Covid, and we all accept that, but as Mr. Breslin said, when we are learning for the next arrangement, could more consideration be given to these patients, especially those with oncology issues?