Ms Olive Hanley:

When somebody reaches 65, locally, we would rarely reduce personal service in a number of the CHOs. There is a lack of clarity on the definition and database. In a number of cases, a mix of personal assistance might be in the home support budget or some people are accessing both. It is more difficult to start a personal assistance process over the age of 65, to be fair. It is high on the agenda for all of us to look at. Employment is low, from our local experience. I agree with the Deputy on that. The number of requests for it are also low. We have some people in full employment with personal assistants who have graduated from college. Graduation from college and the difference from the education system was referenced earlier. It is another factor that needs to form part of the terms of reference we are aware of because there is a different system through full-time education. That is the case in many different areas, not just in disability.

The Deputy referenced late-night personal assistance. We agree there may be a reliance on family or other peer supports late at night, if they exist. That may be to enhance the waking hours and promote inclusivity, enablement and engagement in the community. The CHO typically works within a resource and agrees what is best with a person. The personal assistance system can be onerous. The ESRI report and the opening statement reflected that as well as the structure around employment and the challenge with regard to employing somebody.

The delegation was spoken out, which is very important. It is the priority piece. There are many systems in place at present. I am very familiar with our own. We try to focus on the individual need.

As Ms O'Neill said, there is no generic standard national assessment tool. That is something we would like to work towards but equally, we do not want a national assessment tool that is prohibitive. Everybody is an individual and we try to look at what can meet their needs. Those tools can sometimes be prescriptive and that is probably why we do not have one to date. It is sometimes easier for all of us and allows us to prioritise. However, it is not necessarily always very person-centred, which is the focus of what we are trying to do.