Mr. David Walsh:

Regarding agency staff usage, agencies certainly have a role in supplying staff right across the system in both acute and subacute hospitals, the HSE and the private sector. The task and the ask, however, really has been to ensure that we do not have agency staff moving from one location to another and then to another. That has been an essential plank in trying to reduce the risk of transmission.

Regarding assurance on the sick pay scheme and nursing homes, I cannot give that except on HSE operated or funded services. I cannot do so with regard to the private sector. I can confirm that I had no act or role with regard to altering the qualifications required to be a person in charge.

On Ms Ní Sheaghdha's comments on safe staffing, I know that the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation, INMO, co-operated fully and was a key partner in the development of safe staffing levels for the acute services. I expect it would be fully committed to developing similar models for the non-acute services.