Dr. Fiona Keogh:

I will speak on the scope of the all-Ireland piece. On the question on the service that was closed, I am not certain which service Deputy Buckley was referring to. There is a need for services to be continually maintained and upgraded down to basic structural maintenance. Ms Coyle spoke very clearly in her contribution about how €20 million is needed just to maintain the existing level of service. That is part of what the funding is for. Things break and buildings need to be painted, maintained and kept to a certain standard. I am aware that several acute inpatient units need upgrading and, indeed, in some cases new units are needed.

I will speak on the scope for all-island co-operation and perhaps the related issue of out-of-Ireland placements that are made, which comprise a very small number every year. This involves people with very complex needs. Sharing the Vision was quite strong on the need to develop expertise within Ireland and that expertise definitely exists here to support these individuals who should not be exported to other jurisdictions to meet their needs. This can be a very tailored individualised package and can be expensive but we are already paying extortionate sums, in some cases, to have people supported. It is essential to have that expertise and that a funding model to support that is developed in Ireland.