Mr. Brian Higgins:

I thank the Senator for her question. Several important points have been raised. The Senator's point about equity is critically important to what we are trying to do. Under Sláintecare, we are trying to create a system that creates equity. This equity would be for everyone, including factors such as geographic location, culture and identity. There are challenges in the delivery of this approach. We are trying to move from a clinically-based model to a socially-based model and from a location-based approach to one that is family-based. In this regard, Deputy Buckley gave the important example of educators and families being able to identify what interventions are required. This is a challenge that we are embracing to move forward. The difficulty, and our regret, concerning the speed of change is that we are doing a great amount and we will continue to do so, but, unfortunately, it is not visible above the water line yet. That work is under way but I am mindful of the comments that have been made and the examples given because they are a phenomenal guide for us to continue this work we are doing.