Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank your guests for coming to our meeting today and for their hard work over the years. We have a very talented, hard-working, responsible and powerful team here today. It is great to have them. Much good work has gone on here.

I have just a few questions. At the public meeting here on 6 December, Independent Living Movement Ireland stated Ireland is not really good at asking disabled people what they want and instead asks the service providers. Can the CCMA and HSE discuss how they are now consulting the DPOs on new models of independent living?

With regard to the multi-annual funding, the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People noted long-term funding streams must be clarified and connected to deliver appropriate services and supports. Will the witnesses discuss and highlight how needs are being assessed and how services can respond more effectively? Will they discuss what long-term funding streams need to be clarified and connected, and any other funding issues? Will they discuss the position on multi-annual funding for independent living?

We are all familiar with the issue of local demand. How are the local authorities identifying in their local areas disabled people who need housing? How is that choice being provided and documented?