Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will write to the Deputy about youth workers and I will liaise with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, but he makes an important point.

Similarly, I will liaise directly with the representative bodies of mental health counsellors and the likes to try and provide guidance in that regard. It will all obviously come down to their ability to practise physical distancing safely. I know a number of counsellors have moved services online.

As to the future direction for private health and private health insurance in this country I have no doubt that it will always be a part of society.

That is the case even in a country like Britain where a national health service is in place. However, it is the clear policy direction of Sláintecare to try to create a universal healthcare system. In the medium term, I presume that will impact on people's decision as to whether they believe they need private health insurance. I am conscious, too, that a number of private health insurance companies have issued a rebate, recognising some of the changes in private hospital services to date.

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