Mr. Bernard Gloster:

The consistent support worker piece is something Ms Murphy talked about in terms of what we try to do. It is difficult when there is a high staff turnover.

On the assessment of need, I want to be very careful not to stray across the definition of "assessment of need" as intended under the Disability Act. I know that has been a subject of significant debate in this committee with my colleagues in the HSE. In the general sense, if somebody in a care placement has a pressing need for a particular type of assessment that is not available publicly or in a timely way, we try to support that and help to secure it privately. I would be the first to say to the Deputy that I do not believe that is consistent across the country. That is part of what we are now trying to change so that the experience is the same for every foster carer.