Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sure none of the delgates is calling into question of the bona fides of the section 39 organisations or the quality of care they provide, given the funding they receive. Is it appreciated that one of two things will happen if these organisations do not receive proper funding for staff and elements of their services, either there will be an increase in unmet need whereby those who receive a service or are those looking after service users will have a major burden imposed on them, or the service will transfer from the section 39 organisation to the HSE or a section 38 organisation? Service users are not going to go away; therefore, if they do not receive a service from a section 39 organisation, they will obtain it elsewhere, probably at a much higher cost. It does not make financial sense to fail to properly fund section 39 organisations because the cost of providing services outside them will be much greater. Is that appreciated?