John Dolan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the presentation and the work the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies has put into it. It is important to emphasise that very last paragraph which states that in the main, regulation has had a positive impact on lives and that external inspection is powerful, brings more accountability, picks up on poor practice and shines a light on issues around dignity, respect, equity and such like.

Having said that, I have a few questions that arise from the earlier session. I will ask for some comments on them and then if we have the time I have a couple of other questions for observations. I think it was Mr. Finbarr Colfer that said the provider community is increasingly recognising that it is better not to focus only on the residential. Currently, protections are around buildings and places. Mr. O'Regan talked about the different models of services we now have. I think they connect in some way and I would like a comment on that. Ms Dunnion talked about the importance of cultural change from the top down. Does that resonate with the witnesses or do they have any other comments? The other point is on governance and is similar to one I raised earlier. To what extent does an appreciation of what the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is about act as a driver in respect of governance orientation in organisations? Could it be a stronger driver in that regard? Ms Dunnion also spoke about things that might usefully change or develop in the regulations. What progress or alterations of the regulations would the witnesses like to see, given the experience of this first round?

To change course slightly, is there anything mitigating, preventing or making it difficult for younger people to stay out of institutions or congregated settings of one kind or another? How has the profile of people in services or coming into services changed over the decades? What impact is that having? Mr. O'Regan talked about the pressure as a result of cuts. It think he used the phrase families who have survived over those difficult years. Is there a question there? What is his sense about the sustainability of what is going on? My final comment was spurred by Mr. O'Regan. I think I heard him speak a number of years ago about moving from the notion of service provision to being of service to people. Is that relevant here or does Mr. O'Regan have any comment on that?