Mr. John Sherwin:

The IDS would welcome the opportunity to support the committee in its letters to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and to the BAI. Perhaps we can send in some information after this meeting but I will quickly summarise a few points related to both. In terms of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, IDS and other DPOs need champions in government and we would hope that the Department could become a champion for DPO status for us. Following up from Mr. McGrath's point about the time needed for DPOs, the Department could hopefully champion time, budget and universal design in the planning of all government processes, activities and plans. These matters need to be checked early. Our work with the HSE during Covid, when we tried to update existing processes to include universal design after they were put in place, was difficult. It is much more possible if it is included from the outset.

We would also love the Department to champion the efficient use of our limited resources. For example, we engage with one organisation in respect of services on six different committees. It is an unsustainable use of our resources. There must be easier structural ways for us to engage with Government.

We would ask the BAI to update and consult us on how it forms its targets. We have a number of other points that we would be happy to share with members after this meeting.