Mr. Damien Walshe:

In terms of how to build accountability, we do not have a system to hold to account, which is the fundamental problem. Thirty years ago, seven people pioneered a system and there was a pilot. Deputy Tully said we love to start pilots but we do not assess or standardise them. That is where we are now. We need a commitment from our allies on the Committee on Disability Matters that personal assistance is an issue of huge importance. It is fundamental. It may not be for every single disabled person but when disabled people become aware of it, that is usually the system they seek. More than €2 billion on an annual basis is being pumped into what we call a "disability industry", a tiny fraction of which goes towards what disabled people actually want. That needs to be addressed and a system must be built that can be held accountable and provides clarity for disabled people to be aware of a system that can give them choice and control and not, as Dr. Carroll said, relying on the goodwill of good staff in the HSE pulling strings here and there on anad hocbasis. That is not sustainable and it is completely unfair. A system must be built that is based on compliance with the UNCRPD, and must be invested in on a year-by-year basis. As it stands, we cannot hold a system accountable. Today is important and we need the committee as allies to keep this on the agenda. The disability capacity review by the Department of Health just extrapolated. It gives X amount to PA so, based on projection of figures, it will slightly increase that. It is not just about throwing money into every single service. There needs to be an honest conversation around inclusion in Ireland. Historically, we have funded systems that segregated disabled people. That is not what disabled people want. We need to invest in systems-----