Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will keep it short. I commend our guests on the work they are doing and thank them for it. It is very important work. They have highlighted the dismissal, minimisation and gaslighting they have experienced, on top of long Covid itself. That must be horrific. I really acknowledge what they have said. I agree with Ms O'Donovan that it should not be treated as a psychological issue, although its effect on mental health, which is very strong, must be borne in mind.

I want to ask about best practice, a centre of excellence and the pilot programme that was mentioned. I am sure the witnesses have thought that through. I ask them to elaborate more on how they see that. Have they connected with the HSE on that and what was its reaction? I will leave it at that, but I would like the witnesses to give as much detail as possible on how they see a centre of excellence operating, what constitutes best practice and on the connection with the HSE.