Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

That brings me on to the National Advocacy Service. In its opening statement it made reference to the significant growth in its waiting lists. I know that each and every one of these cases represents an individual with complex needs and immediate concerns. The National Advocacy Service anticipated growth in its services due to the changes in the mental capacity law. Has the service's staff levels increased to meet demand? If not, is this a matter for the Citizens Information board or the Minister for Social Protection, or both? What would need to be done? Does the National Advocacy Service anticipate that the assisted decision-making legislation will lead to greater demand for its services? I ask Ms Condon to elaborate on that and on what the National Advocacy Service's role will be in that advocacy. I will move on to Acquired Brain Injury Ireland afterwards if I have time.