Ms Joanna O'Riordan:

My paper examined what has happened recently in Ireland when a need for a new service is identified as well as the international experience when a need for a new service is identified. Certainly, more research is required into where best the national safeguarding authority might sit. One would need to look at the cost of incorporating it into HIQA, its organisational capacity and its structures. There is a range of issues that one would need to research in more detail before identifying which is the best home for it. I agree with Senator Colm Burke that if a service's shortcomings are identified or if a service is lacking, it creates problems for people. However, one cannot keep a service open in that two wrongs do not make a right. It is beyond my area of expertise but the Senator identified an important point, particularly where resources are lacking. In respect of what my paper addressed, more research will be needed to assess which option is best for the national safeguarding authority.