Mr. Damien McCallion:

The epidemiological data and the hospital data were the key triggers. It related to the levels of RSV and flu, which public health tracks and which are the key indicators we monitor. Dr. Henry might wish to speak on this. They allow us to see the impact of the viruses on the hospital system. Sometimes there can be a delay as those peaks come through in terms of the figures and the activity in the community and into hospital. As Mr. Mulvany said, that is what triggered the NCMT.

A daily process goes on all the time, working with hospitals, the community healthcare organisations and the National Ambulance Service, to track that. It involves public health data alongside hospital activity.