Mr. Paul Bell:

Most of the information we have received is anecdotal. Members have communicated to us as their trade union their issues concerning childcare and the ability to attend work. A significant number of healthcare workers are in that category. The HSE has more up-to-date data in that regard. It is a vicious circle. If this issue is not corrected, the professional and other healthcare workers who are essential to the health service will be affected and the health service will not able to operate as it ought if there is a resurgence in the pandemic or if serious clusters emerge. We have major concerns in that regard. We also have concerns about the impact of fatigue, anxiety and stress on health workers across the spectrum and how that may affect them going forward. When the emergency is declared to be at an end, if it ever is, these issues will start to materialise more frequently.