Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Some of my other questions concern development and early intervention. Early intervention and ongoing support will produce better outcomes for people and their families, especially heading into adulthood. Will the witnesses elaborate on the impacts it can have beyond the physical? There is co-morbidity when we talk about arthritis, diabetes and other conditions that people with Down’s syndrome may be more exposed to.

I wonder about the social element and the independence element. Many people enter intimate relationships or like to go to their local pub. There are plenty of Down's syndrome people in Killinarden in the pub on the weekend watching football and engaging in their communities. It is positive when people are engaged in education in their community. On a social, psychological and emotional level, how does the lack of intervention and services impact on people's ability to live a fuller life in adulthood and want to engage in their communities? Does it cause isolation among people who do not get services at the right time?