Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses and thank them for their comprehensive presentations. I apologise for having to leave for a time to participate in a Commencement debate in the Seanad. One of the points that struck me when listening to the presentations is that what is lacking in this area is long-term planning. We need to set out a five-year and ten-year programme showing where we are at and where we need to be in the coming years. We need, too, to initiate a process of careful planning in respect of the cost issues and what is the best way of providing a high-quality service that also represents a good deal for taxpayers. After all, it is taxpayers who must pay for that service. Have any of the groups examined the cost issue and the type of investment that is required on a year-by-year basis in the next five to ten years?

The lack of co-ordination of services for people with disabilities is a major concern. I recently helped two families to file complaints with the Ombudsman relating to housing issues. While a comprehensive service is being provided to people with disabilities from a health care point of view, there is no co-ordination of other services such as housing. One sees much more of that type of co-ordinated approach in other countries. Health, education and housing are three key areas of concern to people with disabilities, but the services are not working together. From the delegates' experience, how do they see that type of co-ordination developing? Reference was made to people in lower socio-economic groups not getting the same type of health service as that afforded to other groups. The same applies in respect of housing and it is something we need to address. The question is how to ensure people have access to all services. In the two cases to which I referred, even though the persons concerned have severe disabilities, the local authority is treating them as simply a number on a list, with no priority given to them over people with very minor disabilities. I was very surprised to discover this was the case. Will the delegates comment on that?

I thank the witnesses for the work they are doing and for their comprehensive presentations. Their contribution will feed into our efforts to ensure there is a greater focus on long-term planning in this area.