Dr. Mike O'Connor:

I was a member of the HSE support team that was a collaboration between the PMIU, the community and acute operations who I represent today. As soon as we arrived, it was clear that there was an improvement programme. The hospital recognised it had significant challenges, most of which have been outlined by Professor Cowan, when we arrived on site. We were there for July. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes helps when it comes what additional things can be done. It was clear as crystal that it was a collaborative effort between the University Limerick Hospitals Group and the community and that they welcomed that support. There is a bit of subjectivity in what I am saying, which is that eye of the storm of piece, in that hospitals were and are recovering from that Covid period. Professor Cowan is very clear about the resource requirements the hospital group has sought successfully on an ongoing basis. The Senator's question is valid. It is about the timing of it. Was it appropriate for the summer? Could it have been earlier? It possibly could have but it depends on us-----