Ms Niamh Ryan:

Regarding what Deputy Donnelly said about housing adaptations, I am sitting in Liam's bedroom, as the members can see, and there is equipment all around our house. It is absolutely necessary but no family carers want it in their houses. However, it is what is needed to be able to take care of your loved one. We were very lucky. We got the grant from the local council. We took out a loan and our families and friends fundraised for us, and that is how we were able to put this in place for Liam. The fact this is what families have to do to have the necessary equipment to look after their child is wrong. The difference it makes to a family to have everything in place that is needed, even the simple matter of having a ceiling hoist, which members can see behind me, takes a great deal of pressure off a family. It makes life so much easier to have the correct equipment. It is pretty much a once-off cost. One has to cover the cost of maintenance and servicing every year but the main cost is once-off one. Once a family needs such equipment, they should really and truly get it because it is absolutely necessary. It takes pressure of them. It makes the physical side of caring for your loved one bearable and helps you get through the day. I thank Deputy Donnelly for raising that issue. That might be taken on board also.