Mr. David Walsh:

The Deputy mentioned four specific HSE-operated units: Clonakilty, Portlaoise, Donegal and St. Mary's. Without doubt, where there are multiple occupancy rooms, and where the facility is full or near capacity, then isolation is difficult. Following public health and other clinical advice, cohorting is advised. A feature of those four units was not only that there was significant public health input but the relevant consultant geriatrician from the local acute hospital was involved in each one of those units. The Donegal unit has since closed and will not be in further use.