Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)

I have a number of questions. To pick up on some of what Deputy Cullinane has said, I am hearing real concerns around funding shortages and a potential risk of fragmentation. As was said in the opening statements, cancer services used to be the jewel in the crown of the health service. I think about what could be achieved with sustained funding, a good strategy, political will, investment and co-ordination but we are seeing and hearing about issues around delayed diagnoses, missed targets, staff shortages and regional variation. There are real concerns there and it is really important that we tease them through. What I am hearing from the witnesses is that, with the new health regions, there is a risk of fragmentation. Is that their concern?