Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is because it is not worth taking them at the minute. That is the reality but I do not want to go down that particular rabbit hole because it would take us away from what the witnesses are here to talk about.

Again, I will note that Ms Harkin has not answered the question with regard to the really badly-paid workers in this sector. In fairness, fair play to Dr. McGann on acknowledging the fact that €13.10 per hour is an appalling rate of pay for looking after our loved ones and trying to keep them at home. It is the elephant in the room here. For example - and I want to be proactive here - I think what would really help in the care sector is an employment regulation order, and to actually put in place a floor of decency with regard to pay, conditions and career paths. We do have EROs, as the witnesses know. Would IBEC support the development of an ERO as a means of tackling the chronic underpay and poor conditions in the care sector?