Ms Caitríona Walsh:

The strategy on local authority issues is a matter of policy for the Government. Local authorities are not part of the picture, which is not to say they will not be. Strategically, the board is very experienced and has had a long history. I do not have a great deal of experience as a board member not having sat on a public board. My work has been in the private sector. From a strategic point of view, the board has a corporate policy for the period 2011 to 2015 which sets out its strategic work. The issue of how the voluntary housing scheme is addressed will be a legislative reality in a short period and how we deal with it will be a matter for the directorate under the governance of the board. It is difficult for me to say anything as chairperson designate. I would have to be in place, sitting with the board and dealing with the issues to answer the Deputy. I understand where he is coming from in relation to strategy. While it will be difficult to bring the voluntary housing agencies within the remit of the PRTB, it will be done. There are many exclusions in voluntary housing bodies in relation to people with specific care plans or medical needs who will not come within the remit of the PRTB.