Mr. Robert Watt:

On the first question, we are still speaking to a technological university regarding its school. We are optimistic about that. It is a good innovation and a different type of programme. It is a new addition that will help with the overall issue of medical base which we discussed earlier.

I will return to the issue of medical cards in a moment.

As regards the electives, we have two sites that are close to being identified for Dublin. As the Deputy is aware, there are sites in Galway and Cork and two in Dublin. We hope to go to the Government in the next two or three weeks on that matter.

On GP cards, there is an issue in some parts of the country relating to delays in accessing a GP. We are aware of that. We discussed earlier measures to increase the number of GPs, practice nurses and so on. There has long been a debate regarding free access to GP care and what that means for demand and the increase. We have a significant amount of data and evidence on that and we might share that with the committee. We always have a concern about people who turn up at GP surgeries but should not be there. That causes delays for people who may have greater needs. It is an ongoing challenge. I will share with the committee the data we have on frequency and visitation for people who do not have a card and those who do. There is a need to adjust for age, conditions and circumstances. It is not fair to look at the numbers crudely and draw the wrong conclusion from the data.

I am happy to engage with the company on the QR card. If the Deputy provides us with its details, Mr. Gloster and I will ask our colleagues to engage with it. We are considering a virtual version of the card, an app, which will have that type of information, such as verification and basic details about people's recent medical history, prescribed medication, conditions and so on. The app will be a digital version of the card to which the Deputy referred.