Mr. Michael O'Neill:

On foot of what Dr. McDonagh and Ms Gibney said, our experience with regard to litigation is that, if people have to litigate for the most basic life requirements such as shelter or sanitation, the lack of which really offends their basic dignity, the system is fundamentally failing. We do this all the time and we will continue to do it but, even within the confines of the system in which we operate, there are things that can be better. That is really important from our point of view in the context of the recommendations in each individual equality review. This is the spadework. I am talking about putting systems in place and about local authorities writing down what their basic expectations are, how the system works and what people can expect from the system and then implementing that. We accept that in the case of egregious breaches, we will have to continue to deliver legal services, just as FLAC and other legal organisations do. However, beyond that, there are ways to support people, including people within local authorities who are really committed to this area, to look at this through more of an equality lens and to promote the vindication of people's rights even on the basis of the legislation as it currently exists. It is hard work and it takes a bit of time but, if you can get those systems in place, the system will be improved.