Mr. Brian O'Donnell:

The question of cultural change was mentioned by Ms Dunnion. At this point we should be fair to the Legislature because national disability policy has seldom, if ever, been more exciting and full of potential. Resourcing is of course required for effective implementation, but a key prerequisite in the effective implementation of disability policy is culture change. Many organisations have been around for a long time. Some, in fact, have been providing services since before the foundation of the State. Practice culture therefore becomes embedded in organisations. Some people have described the scale of the challenge as being akin to turning the Titanicin Dublin docks.

I mentioned some of the work we are doing ourselves, including shared learning events, study visits and bringing in international experts. That work is bringing about a realisation of the need for culture change and how one does it, which is critically important. As the chief inspector said, it is not without a challenge and it is a slow-burn matter. As CEO of the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, I am satisfied it is happening on an increasingly progressive basis over time.