Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. Kelleher. As I said earlier, the world was catapulted into this scenario. There was clearly a lack of preparedness, not by design although there were systematic shortfalls. We struggled to keep up with what was an unexpected pandemic. There will be additional waves. We will not be able to rely on the same response and will have to be more prepared.

The figures for healthcare workers are interesting. The HPSC mentioned 32% of the 8,219 cases. A figure of 48% for phase 2 has been mentioned by Mr. Mark Roe, a postdoctoral researcher in UCD. A figure of 58% for the health service east region has been mentioned in respect of health care workers who have been impacted. I accept there are different definitions. What are we doing at this point to ensure that the level of infection is reduced in any future localised outbreak?