Ms Carole Brennan:

In some respects, there is none. Some of my work involves trying to identify some of the gaps and get funding and whatever else I need to be able to provide support. The difficulty in terms of NGOs or whatever is the lack of awareness of what it is to be mixed race Irish. There are people who are isolated and have complex needs. I support a number of people who are mixed race Irish, some of whom are in care homes, have severe mental health problems and may be suicidal. I work with people in care homes in the UK who are mixed race Irish and have no support mechanisms. It is a major issue. I suspect in Ireland it is the same, if not worse.

Part of the work we would like to do is examine ways in which we could identify people with complex needs who happen to be mixed race Irish and how we continue to support that community through empowerment and moving forward. The area requires a level of specialisation. Existing NGOs may not be suitable. After we left Ireland we pulled ourselves up and went on to educate ourselves. We have achieved things in our lives, through our work and grit, and we are using that experience to help others who may not have the fortune to be able to move forward. That is one of the things we want to do. We are starting to do it, but a lot more needs to be done. As I said, identifying and tracing some of those who are isolated and have complex needs are key issues. Does that answer the Deputy's question?