Dr. Kathleen MacLellan:

I thank the Deputy for his question. Initial planning for infection prevention and control is through the public health departments in the HSE. These engaged very early, towards the end of January, with nursing homes and across the system. The initial guidance that was used was the influenza guidance, bearing in mind that many nursing homes already manage a number of different infections and outbreaks, including influenza, MRSA, and C. difficile infection. These were the first set of guidelines. There was very early engagement on infection prevention and control. That guidance and interaction between the HSE and education and support was built as we continued forward. Very helpfully, the expert report has clearly outlined specific recommendations around infection prevention and control, and processes and systems that need to be in place for nursing homes.

The other piece is that there were very particular recommendations-----