Ms Brigid Doherty:

I will take the question regarding the families. I agree that something needs to be set up to investigate or talk through the care of residents in nursing homes with families. There is a huge gap in that respect. Sage Advocacy provided a lot of support through the first wave when nursing homes were closed and when families were having difficulties visiting at the end of people's lives. It was very traumatic when end-of-life visiting was not allowed. In the meantime, nursing homes are the providers and have a responsibility to meet families and to provide and release the information they hold under freedom of information legislation, if requested. I strongly support Sage Advocacy. It is a really good organisation and has a lot of experience. Its services should be promoted by HIQA and the Department of Health. When the Minister meets families, it may be worth him suggesting that the family bring an advocate. The advocates make sure that the voices of residents and their families are heard and that they understand what is being said. It is very important. There is a huge gap in that respect. I feel very strongly about that. If we do not deal with this now, it will have very long-lasting effects. It will come back for those people three, five or ten years down the road.