Mr. Michael Hennessy:

On the the question of flexibility within multiannual funding, we would certainly advocate that within that funding there would be ring-fenced funding for a series of progressive models to support people at differing levels. In terms of home support, supported living, semi-independent living and support packages, the Disability Capacity review identified that 64% of the funding went on full-time residential support. That will be still important in the future. It is important today, but we would like to think that in the future the funding will be directed at a range of models rather than such a high proportion going to one model. In regard to the statutory entitlement schemes on homecare, I would like to raise the point that as they exist and are envisaged, those seem to refer to people over the age of 65. For a person with a disability, age-related needs typically kick in much earlier, possibly as early as the late 40s or early 50s, and that needs to be recognised in any such scheme.