Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I thank the witnesses for their responses to the various questions from members. Today's discussion has been extremely valuable because as a committee we have focused in on healthcare and an all-island approach to healthcare. Professor Smith said earlier that we engaged only on Friday in the North-South Inter-Parliamentary Association. That was beneficial. What I take away from each of the witnesses' remarks and responses to members is that there is great collaboration and co-operation on the issue of cancer and heart disease. They are specific and important areas in our health service. Our challenge is across the whole health service. How do we try to identify the blockages? Everybody has a suggestion as to where the issues lie.

I have some questions for the witnesses. Prior to the shared island initiative evolution in 2020, where was the primary source of funding for each of the witnesses' research projects? As a committee we are going to compile a report following our deliberations on an all-island healthcare approach, what are the top three things that the witnesses would say from their perspective and experience that we should include? I mean, for example, the cross-Border appointments, the licensing that has just been mentioned, data sharing and all those issues.

I thank Ms Gaynor for being here today and for the advocacy she has undertaken on her behalf and on the behalf of so many other patients. I also thank her for sharing her story today. It is not easy. She spoke of a medical exercise, the needs of patients and letting them find out what suits them best rather than being told what is best for them. I hear what she said about the discrepancies, North and South. From her discussions with other advocates and patients across the world - thankfully, with social media it is far easier to engage and hear about best practice - where would Ms Gaynor identify as a leading jurisdiction? I open those questions to each of the witnesses. I thank them all for their engagement today.