Dr. Joanne McCarthy:

I will pick up on the pay and conditions issue and reiterate some points. There is also the ongoing issue with the differences between section 38 and section 39 bodies. I am sure the Deputy is aware of that and the impact it is having. We know that there is a process under way that is looking at just that. It is definitely an issue of how we employ and retain staff. Do not forget that we invest in training and supports and want to build a healthy pool of staff that can support and enable people with disabilities. If one cannot retain staff, that is hugely problematic and very unsettling for people with disabilities who are dependent on a very personal relationship and often intimate care. It is hugely unsettling for them if we cannot sort this out so that they can be confident about their access to services going forward.

On housing, we all know that it is meant to be based on the disability steering group's input and the assessment of social housing needs. That is supposed to be happening from local authority to local authority but it is not. This has been identified and the Housing Agency is looking at this going forward.