Dr. Kathleen MacLellan:

On the safe staffing model, the Department has already commenced phase 3. Phase 1 was in the acute hospitals. Phase 2 was in the emergency departments. Phase 3 is in the older person settings. The chief nurse working with the HSE has designed a guidance framework to be tested in several nursing homes within the next short while. It is evidence-based and will be based on the experience of the safe staffing within the hospitals and the emergency departments which obviously cater for an older cohort. It will be based on needs. It has commenced and it is with the view that there will be guidance available as we head into winter.