Ms Joan Carthy:

To pick up on the issue of employment, in this instance it is important to have quotas. They need to be brought forward in the private sector also. Account needs to be taken of the services that assist people into employment. It could involve the personal assistant service, the provision of a medical card, transport and so on. Like any other issue that comes up, employment requires a cross-departmental approach. There needs to be greater awareness across the private sector of the ability of people with disabilities and their untapped talent. Account also needs to be taken of all of the other services that need to be put in place for some people to help them get back into employment.

To respond to the question about the assessment of need for young children who need new equipment as they grow, that happens across the board, whether it be for a young or an older person who needs extra services or equipment. It comes down to a lack of funding. There is no magic wand, other than carrying out of an appropriate and timely assessment and funding being put in place to enable the equipment to be made available to the individual concerned.