Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have worked for charities both in Ireland and in the UK. Charities have stepped into the breach when the State has failed, but very often the State needs to take up where the charities began. Very often they have had to carry on and carry the can because the State has not been able to step in or take up its role. Charities have a great role to play in advocacy and innovation, but whether they continue to be a main provider will depend on the charity. A good commissioning framework is the way to deal with it. Charities are as good as what they can deliver to people. The confusion has arisen because charities have been advocates and have suddenly become providers. Some are well intentioned but not geared up to be the kinds of providers we need in a regulated and standards environment. Good commissioning but not a race to the bottom commissioning is the way it will be dealt with. It can be seen in the UK. Charities are coming and going based on what the consumer needs. Without a charitable sector in Ireland, some people would have nothing. It is now time to take stock, say the situation is historic and ask what the citizen needs. If a charity, private provider or the State can provide these services, it should be the right way to go about it. I hope that answers the Chairman's question.