Meeting new challenges
Des McNulty
In March 2003 Des McNulty officially launched Supporting People. He spoke of the objectives of the programme as 'improving the quality and effectiveness of support services to those who need them'. He said, 'It will help the most vulnerable people to become and remain independent in the community. It will mean the difference between being able to stay in their own home and having to go into care, or being homeless and keeping a roof over their heads.'
Now, three years on, Mr McNulty is back in his new role as Deputy Minister for Communities. He says, 'Although the budget has increased considerably from £200m in 2003 to £400m at the present time, there are still considerable challenges to be met. I have taken considerable interest in the subject of Supporting People over the years and look forward to helping develop the programme.'