Dr. Aideen Hartney:

This committee is an important structure in accountability. Where commitments are made under the new strategy, the committee is another layer of focus as to whether they are addressed. It is also important for solution-finding where there are delays or barriers to interdepartmental working. It is an important piece of the picture.

We found in previous strategies that this is the bit that is hardest to get right. This is where the NDA comes in as a kind of knowledge carrier. We are a knowledge-based organisation as well as the research we do. By our access to various working groups and committees we can carry knowledge and learning between sectors. Having the committee also taking that approach would be very valuable.

If this committee is making recommendations to the Government based on its work I would think that as part of that it could build in consideration of the sufficient time and planning for transition phases between different programmes of work. For example, Deputy Toole asked about the financial side of things. Where we would always advise a focus on the finances, if one wants want to switch from one model of service provision to another in any area, one can ring-fence some money for the transition. Often what is happening in disability services and supports is that people are being asked to switch to a new model while maintaining the old model with no additional funding, or it being done on a cost-neutral basis. It would be helpful if this committee could offer its own voice in support of ring-fenced funding for transition or for moving to new models of service.