Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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My first question is to the DPO Network. Could the witnesses expand a little on what Mr. Kearns, Mr. McGrath and Nem Kearns have been talking about? It is all about participation within organisations that make decisions around disability. In fact, it is all about involvement in organisations that make decisions, period. Disabled people are everywhere and need to be included in decisions. For too long, decisions have been made for disabled people rather than with disabled people. That has to change. It has been stated that investment in empowering DPOs is essential to ensure that they can engage and represent their membership. Could the witnesses expand on that and give an indication about involvement in the PPNs of the different organisations within the DPO Network?

It has been stated that the DPO networks are not always organised on a county or district basis and that can make it difficult to be involved. Are the witnesses aware of how much involvement there is by their members on the different PPNs? How can that be improved? I know there is going to be a review done and that will help identify where there are shortcomings.