Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late. I was stuck on the bus but I got here in the end. I know we are tight for time so I only have a couple of questions.

Comments have been made about the carer's allowance and what was recommended in the citizens' assembly. I heard that our guests broadly welcome those recommendations. Family Carers Ireland represents approximately 500,000 carers across the country. I would like to hear our guests' thoughts on a graded payment depending on the severity of the illness or ailment from which the person being cared for is suffering. What is our guests' opinion on a graded payment for carer's allowance?

Respite was raised as a Topical Issue in the Dáil last week. I share a CHO with Deputy Buckley.

Our estimate is that about half the beds that are for respite are not adequately staffed. In CHO 4, which covers Cork and Kerry, about half of beds are not operational. Is it a similar situation in the witnesses’ counties or CHO areas?

My third question relates to a commitment that the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, made last week on the floor of the Dáil in respect of reimbursement for assessments of need and respite. If the HSE and service providers were not able to provide for them, she is in favour of outsourcing or privatising them, or reimbursing people at the very least. I wish to hear the witnesses’ opinions on that.

I hate to ask a question about the cost of care, but the witnesses referenced it earlier. I hate asking the question. I estimate that there is somewhere in the region of €250 million going into services in Cork between the main service providers. Are we getting value for money as a State in respect of that investment?