Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the three witnesses for their comprehensive presentations.

The committee is very pleased to have the benefit of the group's experience and expertise on the front line. There is no doubt that the Civil Engagement group has a huge amount to contribute to the work of the committee and we very much welcome the presentations and Senator Kelleher's earlier submission.

Most of the material the group has provided today feeds into the work of the committee. I would like clarification on a number of points. Senator Kelleher referred to stakeholder-based health care planning forums. We have been looking at the administration of health quite a bit, the geographic differences that exist and how health services are organised geographically. What does Senator Kelleher have in mind in terms of the Irish situation? What kind of area are we talking about?

I have a question on the role of charities. It is quite a problematic area in many ways and there are issues about accountability. Those questions were raised with us by Dr. Stephen Kinsella when he appeared before the committee. What is the Senator's opinion on the role of charities? What does she recommend to make the sector more coherent and accountable?