Dr. Aideen Hartney:

I would think that is probably very much the case in many situations. It could be helpful to resource some of the independent advocacy services to a greater extent to assist people so that it is not all on them to fight the fight. Something such as the National Advocacy Service cannot get through all the complaints or points they would have raised during the course of a year. There are also other advocacy bodies for older people's services out there as well. Resourcing would certainly be an issue in that regard. Yes, a legal battle a is a daunting process for anybody and, as the Leas-Cathaoirleach said, if a person is starting that already frustrated and at the end of their tether, that would be even more so. The process to go to through the UN committee and up to the optional protocol is quite torturous in and of itself. That is something to be mindful of as well. If public bodies are more mindful of their existing obligations in relation to complaints mechanisms, appeals and inquiries, and then if people are more aware of the supports and mechanisms that can be offered through something like an ombudsman service, that would be helpful in that regard as well.