Mr. Liam Woods:

On the point around continuity of care in the event of further care need, it would of course happen whether in primary care or a hospital space. For the committee's information, there are two options. The treatment abroad scheme is based on a clinical recommendation so there is potentially a level of safety about that in that there is a double clinical sign-off. The cross-border directive arrangements within the European Union are more flexible and patients or their parents may go directly abroad using that scheme, and that may not involve a clinical engagement. That, of course, could give rise to the kind of concern the Chairman is flagging. Continuity of care and reapproaching the health system in Ireland is open and based on need. There is no question of a disconnection there.

Professor McCormack made the point that some sites are excellent centres for this. Of course, our ambition is to provide adequate services in the public service in Ireland. That is our objective.