Dr. Sharon Lambert:

Community organisations are a vital part of a community. Statutory organisations are obviously very important. It is really good, however, to have both. It feels in the last few years that the community sector is becoming more and more stretched, pushed and concerned about funding. There are higher rates of turnover. Ms O'Reilly spoke earlier, I think, about the need to protect the welfare and well-being of staff too. It is hard for a staff member to be on a contract that is just renewed every year. How would anyone in that situation apply for a mortgage? A bit more strategic and long-term investment in community-based organisations would make them feel more solid and secure and allow them to retain their excellent staff and that people-----