Professor Roger O'Sullivan:

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the question. To clarify, this is a public consultation. It is not a piece of research and it does not claim to be a representative sample. It is a process of engagement whereby the Government facilitates everyone to make a submission and present their view.

On the number of submissions, in the last few such consultations I have been involved with, approximately 200 submissions were received. In the past, say back in 2017 or 2018 when the piece of work around home care was previously consulted on, I think there were 2,500 responses. In terms of sample size, that is quite modest as well. To be clear, this is a public engagement process rather than an independent piece of research that includes literature and representative samples.