Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Senator Seery Kearney is online but cannot participate in the meeting. She has been contacted by parents and people who are listening to the committee meeting this morning and are fearful of the journey. Is there any resistance in the advocacy the witnesses do with State organisations? Do they experience systemic resistance to advancing ideas? For example, the fair deal scheme funding is available to patients depending on their financial circumstances. The phrase "money follows the patient" used to be used. If that was a universal payment that was available to support people in their homes or communities -the fair deal scheme will cost the State a certain amount - and if the money from the fair deal scheme were to be used in a different way, we would have to change the legislation. Senator Seery Kearney's question is whether there is systemic resistance from the HSE and other organisations to change or to advancing new ideas. Her point is that many parents are watching this morning and wondering what their journey will be down the line. They are fearful about that journey. Will the witnesses comment on the perceived or actual resistance they experience?