Dr. Aideen Hartney:

I will not comment on that specific point but, based on all the conversations we have been having, the development of a UNCRPD implementation strategy offers a real opportunity to tackle some of these pieces and maybe catch up on some of those areas that have been left behind. As regards the income side of things, it is at pilot stage. The Department of Social Protection is currently considering all its disability allowances to see what interacts with what and how it all interacts with employment and self-employment. Now is an opportunity to bring these voices to the table. The NDA produced participation matters guidelines in the past year through which we are guiding public bodies on how to have that constructive engagement, recognise the accessibility needs of all the different groups with which they are engaging and close the feedback loop which is often missing, such as when people come in for meetings but then hear nothing further in respect of their recommendations or suggestions. All that practical guidance is now set out and, as we head into the development of the new strategy, it behoves all Departments and agencies to take the guidance on board.