Gillian Toole (Meath East, Independent)

I thank the witnesses for making the journey to meet with us. I apologise because I was so late. I can only appreciate the difficulties in the witnesses' journeys in getting here and navigating traffic and public transport alike. I apologise. I hope my questions have not been duplicated. I also thank the witnesses for the preliminary information in advance and the secretariat for the supporting information they have provided to us as well.

My first question is relevant to personal assistants and to personalised budgets. The key objective from all three of the representations is living independently. What are the key priorities to live independently in concurrence with Article 19? Are there any low-hanging fruit? Not to be disparaging, but are there opportunities for progress in the short term? I note the timelines of 2016 and 2019 with regard to reviews and task forces, etc., with 2021 being more recent. Everything is moving extremely slowly. It is totally unacceptable. Are there easier opportunities for progress in the witnesses' opinions? I raise the simplification of the personalised budget process to improve accessibility. Do the witnesses have suggestions in that regard?

In terms of personal assistants and personalised budgets, how can the supports in those areas be integrated with housing, education and transport, even as key areas, to create a coherent framework for independent living?

A specific section or committee within the Department of the Taoiseach has been established to look into and co-ordinate disability matters. Do the witnesses have any input in to that? What are the most important supports during the key life transitions, say from school to adulthood, from school to employment and from the family home to independent living? What are the most important supports required there? The witnesses can answer any of my questions and in any order. I do not mind. It is discursive as opposed to questions and answers from my perspective.