Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That concludes our questions. I want to make a few points, not really questions. It was extremely interesting, particularly the issues witnesses raised around play in urban versus rural areas. Is that as a result of the passage of time and different generations? It is that there is a nervousness in a rural area about letting children out to play? In urban areas there might more green spaces or playgrounds in particular areas, although not everywhere. On the matter of transport, as a parent of two living in a rural area when I am not here in work, I am in the car driving to some activity, but that discriminates against many children. I often meet parents or children who say they would love to do an activity but have no way of getting there or no way of collecting the kids. If there was much better public transport in rural areas they might be able to avail of this. My last point is about the value of the public health nurse, which is something I have thought for a very long time. In fairness to them they have to be across everything and it is very different to deal with an elderly community as opposed to new mothers and babies. When it is managed right and done right it can be excellent particularly in situations where mothers potentially have post-natal depression which can be identified. We have all heard very positive stories, but also very negative stories too, so it is about how it is managed. It comes down to resources.

That is a really good recommendation. I know that it is in Sláintecare, but I am glad the witnesses raised that point. Does Dr. O'Dwyer or Mr. Chance wish to make any concluding remarks?