I strongly support this motion which seeks to provide clear, identified and funded pathways for people with intellectual disabilities to move from home to a suitable residential placement and which supports the campaign by Before We Die, a family-led advocacy group seeking urgent ring-fenced Government funding for residential care and housing for adults with intellectual disabilities. Their needs are threefold: purpose-built housing; establishment of a clear, gradual transition plan rather than emergency placement; and a dedicated Government-invested programme rather than the current piecemeal funding which only covers a faction of the necessary residential places. I want to acknowledge the parents who founded Before We Die. They fear for their adult children’s future when they pass away or can no longer provide care for them. This fear is very real. Over 2,000 adults with an intellectual disability live with parents aged 70 or over, with 500 of those over 80. Some parents are providing full-time care into their 90s. I have worked with many parents who are distressed and heartbroken, worrying about what will happen to their adult children when they themselves are no longer able to provide care for them. Their biggest fear is that their children will end up in an emergency department. Families need and deserve choice. This choice can be between purpose-built congregational living with multi-disciplinary teams in place or families may prefer that their children live independently in the community. This needs to be catered for. The Government has a legal and moral obligation to provide these services. Ireland has committed to protecting the rights of people with disabilities through legislation and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This convention recognises the rights of people with disabilities to live independently and be included in the community. Providing appropriate residential placements is essential, not only for improving quality of live but also for protecting human rights, supporting families and promoting social inclusion.

Sentiment score: 0.04