I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I have met a number of the groups that are impacted by this. This is something on which we have been working together for at least ten years. Prior to that, it related to families that were impacted by inequalities in adoption. We are well aware of the inequalities that are there. The Act was passed last year. It needs amending legislation. Apart from anything else, the authority needs to be established. I have received names for a board and we are advertising for a CEO position. All of those things need to be in place to be able to do the suite of work. Subject to the timing of the Oireachtas, I hope to publish the legislation before the Dáil rises. It is up to the Oireachtas how quickly it progresses it. Once all of those things are together and the authority is in place, we will be able to commence everything together.

Sentiment score: 0.11

I thank the Deputy. As she said, the rationalisation of the hospitals is something that goes back some time. The purpose is to provide the best care that can be provided among the different model 4 and model 3 hospitals. I note that Cavan has had a good performance over the past number of weeks in terms of trolley numbers and the organisation of its staff. There have been a few little blips, but in general it has been extremely good. We are trying to expand capacity everywhere, but particularly through the use of community virtual wards and pathways that divert people from accident and emergency departments who do not need to be there. There is more work to do across the system, however.

Sentiment score: 0.22