Dr. Kathleen MacLellan:

Within the responsibility of the Department of Health and the HSE, we have been able to put in place accommodation and accommodation supports for those working within the private nursing home sector. There is a recommendation in the report which is directed toward the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. This is a cross-Government piece. The Department of Health will work with other Departments on education, training and the guidance related to that.

On the terms and conditions, this review is recommended to be completed within 18 months. A recommendation of significant importance is that when the Minister for Health brings this report to the Government for a full discussion, a cross-Government approach will be taken on how that review of employment terms and conditions in the private nursing home sector can proceed and be undertaken. It is of significant importance that we provide these terms and conditions to employees to ensure they do not feel they have to work when they are sick or feel they will not be supported where self-isolation is concerned. There has already been cross-Government support for supporting employees in those areas.