Ms Anne Winslow:

On the issue of the officers, it was brought in years ago to address the issue of access and it has been weak enough. It needs to be buoyed up and taken more seriously. There are some examples of good work but it is about building on that. Equally, one of the most frustrating things for working people with families is the variations depending on where people live and how things are managed and co-ordinated. We have been trying to achieve a standardised approach and co-ordinate clearing houses in order that people can have a joined-up approach to their plans and their work. We are trying to achieve person-centred services around personal plans. There are some good examples of practice that are good at putting the person and their family in the centre but there are some very poor examples as well. We need to see improvement on key workers to work with people and their families in order that we can join up all the various aspects.

Senator Dolan highlighted the issue of the variability of the number of PA hours with the Minister recently. The reality is that there are not enough. We have lost some hours and need to start building up again. At minimum we are talking about adding 500,000 hours as soon as possible, hopefully as a result of this budget or the budget in 2018.

There is no doubt that respite services make a big difference to families. This should be a budgetary issue going forward. We have had cuts in respite grants and services. We have had examples of bed closures and beds not being available because of cuts in services or other demands. Respite care makes a huge difference to families and I am sure that the committee is hearing how big a difference it can make to be able to manage and have planned breaks throughout the year. It makes living in the community better for everybody, particularly for parents and carers, but also for the person if it is an appropriate respite placement. Sometimes people get put into places which are not appropriate. Those options need to be freed up again. We had growth. We should see that improve again.

We need to take this seriously. We have good policies, and we even have pieces of legislation which have never been fully implemented. This includes the plans we are now talking about. Political will is needed and, as Mr. Lee said, that influences the mindset throughout. We need leadership from the top to complement the good work that is being done throughout the regions and counties. The mindset needs to change. We need to see this as an equality and rights issue, and give people some hope again. I am very involved with people living with multiple sclerosis. The condition can progress and change. Hope makes a huge difference to people's quality of life. I cannot overemphasise how important it is to bring some hope back to people's lives, when they are living in the community and doing their best.