Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

There are always areas open to such groups either through lottery funding or through the HSE. I know exactly the groups to which Deputy O'Brien is referring. We intend to consider some suitable form or structure either through partnership, Leader programmes, local authorities or the health forums. Avenues of funding are always available. The difficulty was that although the challenge was put up to PwDI earlier this year in terms of how it could give better value for money for the people it represents, this did not materialise and we must find another vehicle to make their voice heard.

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