Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

To put this in perspective, I come from a voluntary sector background so I am aware of the difficulties. I was struck by the example of the way in which the statutory framework causes provision to go in one direction rather than another, particularly where it would be more efficient for the provision to go in a different direction. I am also struck by what the Chairman has emphasised.

This is an opportunity for the voluntary sector and civil society, whom I know, coming from a different perspective, are the experts in this area, to tell us, in the face of what we all recognise are difficult circumstances, where the changes can be made to the greatest effect. That is the critical factor. I take the point that from the perspective of carers we should in the context of the forthcoming budget revisit the statutory framework to see how we can alter the direction of funding. The committee can then, in terms of feedback to the Minister, mark this as a priority issue which needs to be considered in the context of the financial framework.

I have one brief question for the Carers Association. In terms of respite care, the policy has been one of a return to the community for the provision of care. How effective is this and has the right balance been struck in terms of looking to the community for the provision of care? Also, how equipped is the community to provide this care?

I pose the following question, which I appreciate is a tough one, to the Disability Federation of Ireland. The federation represents many organisations. Would Dr. McDaid accept that there is a duplication of services in the area of disability? Perhaps she would also elaborate on what type of rationalisation might be made in the disability sector in terms of efficiencies. On cuts to the mental health budget, Dr. McDaid's perspective is that the mental budget has suffered more than other aspects of the health budget. Am I correct that the headline position of the federation is that, in terms of the health budget generally, there needs to be some rebalancing towards mental health facilities?