Mr. Liam Woods:

I thank the Deputy for the question. I have a couple of comments on diagnostics. There is investment in diagnostics and access to diagnostics for GPs in the winter plan and service plan. That will be somewhat supported by hospitals externally.

In terms of the resourcing of laboratories directly, we are appointing additional consultant staff to laboratories, including in County Cork, to support the increased workload and, of course, the additional bed capacity will bring with it a requirement for additional scientist and consultant staffing. That is part of the workload planning for 2021.

In equipment terms we have invested in and will continue to invest in laboratories to support the response to Covid-19 and other care. The Deputy referenced 24-7 access. We have already been using National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF, resources and, indeed, private hospitals to provide diagnostics. We have also done work to support 24-7 access to diagnostics. That was successful last winter and it is something we will seek to continue.