Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to take the Chairman's comments on board. There will be a review later this year of the various grant schemes. I appreciate, understand and know the value and importance of these schemes. We can bring that in with our engagement with the HSE in terms of the Chairman's remarks on section 39 organisations. It is very important that we have cross-communication because there are so many different actors providing services in the disability sector on behalf of the State. As we shape and develop our new strategy, it is important that we cover them all in a more coherent way. I acknowledge that this is very important.

Regarding the Chairman's comments on the county development plans, the Department issued a direction in the past ten days to ensure that these plans meet the need for the process in line with the national planning framework and our regional and local strategies because it is so important that units are developed for the type of need that is there. Our regulator will be looking at this. Deputy Murnane O'Connor clearly articulated how two-bedroom units are needed so badly. We will look at all that and I am happy to engage with the committee in the future. I thank the members and my officials.