It is concerning that children are currently excluded from the draft regulations of home care support services. This is despite the fact that more than 650 children with complex needs are receiving these services. In the case of baby Luke, as highlighted in a report from the Ombudsman for Children today, multiple serious issues with home care services were documented. These include routine cover being cancelled at short notice and an overnight nurse falling asleep. These children deserve a right to be cared for at home. These families need the support. They also need reassurances that the services will be of high quality with independent oversight from HIQA. I cannot understand why children are currently being excluded from these regulations. The health committee, HIQA and the ombudsman have recommended that these be included.

Will the Minister for Health act on this and amend the regulations as a matter of urgency so that children get the protections they need?

I thank the Deputy. One of the things we are checking is where the responsibility lies with some of the different changes. It is important to recognise that while we have provisions for older people and many of the guidelines relate to this area, my early understanding is that there is space to do an awful lot more here. I will look into the issue and come back to the Deputy, if that is okay, because it is very much an issue of understanding.