Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses and apologise for not being here for the contributions at the beginning. I am splitting my time between this and another committee I am on which sits at the exact same time, unfortunately. I have read the submissions and opening statements.

Much of my work over the years has been focused on neurodivergence and autism so my insights and understanding of the difficulties and journeys of people with children and family members with Down's syndrome are lacking. Excuse my ignorance if I ask some very basic questions.

A question following on from that final point is around the preferred model being centralised or decentralised to a county branch. Would people prefer that the funding be given to branches and specialised services within communities or would the preferred option be that the State address systems and delays and deliver it at a State-level?