Ms Áine Flynn:

I am not in charge of the consultation process around the legislation, as the Deputy will understand. Insofar as the function of the DSS is concerned, we have a mandate that has already commenced to provide information to engage and support the provision of information and guidance. Since the beginning of last year, the DSS has engaged with 78 different organisations across diverse sectors while always trying to prioritise the potential service users; the relevant people who are going to benefit from this Bill. I have met all the organisations that were represented at yesterday's committee meeting and we fully intend to continue to do so.

There has been much discussion, and very well placed comments, at this meeting about the importance of accessibility. It has been noted that people must have easy-to-read information available to them. We are also working on that. We have engaged with organisations with expertise around easy-to-read information and our materials will be further developed.

I will withhold comment, if I may, on the nature of this consultation process, which is not within our control.