Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the last issue, it is my strong view that the Department and Minister should be retained. It is abundantly clear from the structural issues in services highlighted today that that is where we need to go. In the programme for Government, I understand there is a new care provision to ensure proper and adequate care. In my mind the real crisis of Covid-19 is that the oldest and youngest in our society have been affected the most.

One thing that is coming out of this crisis is recognition that greater attention and investment must be put into the care of our children and older people. I acknowledge in full all of the contributions and submissions made by the witnesses. Given the fact that the economic certainty is that we do not know how our economy will grow in the next few years, no matter what promises I or anybody else makes here, will the witnesses articulate their views on the five things we need to do? Will they prioritise the actions that are necessary? I realise that all of the issues are important, but what are the most important issues the committee could consider and articulate to the Government?