Mr. Liam Woods:

I hear the Deputy's comments. I will revert to him with regard to what is actually intended but I know there is a strong intention to retain trained clinical staff to face what the Deputy has rightly referred to as a very significant emerging challenge.

New infection prevention control guidance is about to issue. Once it is finalised, I would be more than happy to provide the committee with a copy. It relates to the wearing of masks within hospital environments. Masks are available for wearing extensively within hospital environments. I believe the Deputy asked whether they are worn in all areas. As I understand it, our latest guidance is that they should be worn in all treatment areas. There may be some areas of the hospital where the risk is not so great and masks may not always be worn in these areas. Substantively, however, they are worn-----