Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I listened intently to the witness presentations. I compliment Fionn Angus, James Cawley, Owen Collumb, Paul McBride and all of the other witnesses who contributed. On Mr. McBride's point with regard to the budget that is required now to move on with the personal assistance scheme, which he says is not a huge budget, does he have a quantum for it?

In regard to the personal assistance pilot scheme, do the witnesses believe it is just tokenism and a box ticking exercise? Is there a lack of enthusiasm or intent within the HSE and Department of Health to deliver on it in a timely fashion such that we get to the point where we can provide a national personal assistance fund? I am struck by the huge amount of expertise available to us through the witnesses here this morning, in particular Fionn's expertise in regard to best practice in the UK and internationally. The witnesses are a huge asset to us as a committee in trying to ensure that in whatever we do, we do some good.

I heard it mentioned that there is inflexibility in the system. I believe each CHO area is working in silos and there is no cross-purpose. Mr. Cawley mentioned the problem he had with his wheelchair and the distance he had to travel to get the problem sorted. It is silly things that are holding up people getting parity of esteem. What has impressed me most today is that all the witnesses are looking for, and all we should be talking about, is that they can take control of their own lives and make their own daily decisions. That is fine. The committee will take on board what has been said today. Any other information that the witnesses might have that they feel would be helpful, they should forward to us.

I might be talking out of turn but I understand we will be re-engaging with today's witnesses again because we will need them to help us to inform the Department and the Minister as best we can in our work. I thank the witnesses for the content of their presentations, in respect of which I have been taking notes. I have learned a great deal. I ask Mr. McBride to brief the committee on the level of funding required.