Mr. Fred McBride:

There are good relationships locally. We have children and young persons committees on which local authority and voluntary sector representatives sit and which are chaired by our area managers. The HSE is also represented. As such, there is that kind of multi-agency discussion on the needs in local communities.

Most have now developed a needs profile and thus know the profile of their area. They are run on an individual county rather than a double county basis. They know what needs exist in their area and the range of services available and they are trying to match service with need. That is their role. We have the mechanism by which to liaise with local authorities and other public bodies-----