Frances Black (Independent)

I thank Dr. Kavanagh for that. He mentioned how health was influenced by a range of social, economic and environmental factors. One of Dr. Kavanagh's roles is to inform public policy in a way that reduces health inequalities and improves health equity for everyone on the island. This committee discusses a lot as regards constitutional change. If we are building a plan for what would essentially be a new healthcare system, how important does Dr. Kavanagh think it would be that we understand the particular vulnerabilities of each individual and community? That is really important. Should we be considering a health-mapping exercise or something similar to what Pobal has done, but a health index instead? It could be used to target health initiatives for communities and individuals most in need. Is that something that could be done and might it help us shape or work towards an all-island healthcare system? There are some inequalities within some of the communities. Is that something we should really be addressing going forward?