Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank everyone for attending. The previous speakers referred to timescale and having the proper supports, training and safeguards. That is one of the main issues we need to address going forward. None of us have a timescale for how long this is going to go on. We need to make sure there are proper supports in place.

Do the witnesses feel there is joined-up thinking? The NGOs talk with all of the different organisations and this is what it involves. How do we make this work quicker? Timing is going to be crucial. In one of the opening statements it was said that WALK developed a model of support where the State could use the institutional, campus-based living that many disability organisations now have empty. Will the witnesses discuss the key recommendations needed to roll this out urgently? Do the witnesses believe that these units have the facilities to actually provide for the complex care? Will the witnesses discuss further the investment needed to make these facilities habitable as a source of accommodation in Ireland for families with people who have disabilities?

Is there communication with local authorities and the HSE? Having listened to the various guests, speakers and witnesses this morning, who were excellent, I feel this is an issue. There seems to be a communication issue in the different areas, be it local authorities, the HSE, or disability services. I am aware that I am repeating myself but I this is something I want to know. What are the NGOs' views on that and how do they feel we could address these issues quicker?