Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Teachta as ucht an t-ábhar seo. Increasing the provision of disability specialist residential services is a key Government priority and there has been significant investment in residential services over the course of the last number of years. The overall budget increase in recent years, from €1.7 billion at the close of 2017 to almost to €3.8 billion in 2026, reflects the programme for Government commitment to investing in improving the lives of people with disabilities. In addition to the ongoing funding and lifetime commitment to residential placements for almost 9,000 current residents, €65 million has been allocated to disability residential services in budget 2026 for new developments. That includes €40 million of funding that will provide in the region of 199 residential placements. This includes 72 new planned placements and 80 new unplanned urgent placements, a total of 152 new placements, as outlined in the service plan for 2026. From 2020 to 2025, 955 new residential places were provided to people with disabilities, which has undoubtedly had an impact in Dublin Fingal West. During 2025 alone, HSE Dublin and north east, which includes the Deputy’s constituency in north Dublin, provided 2,046 residential places for people with a disability, including the addition of 55 new placements. The Government acknowledges that there is significant demand for specialist disability services across all regional health areas nationally. The increased demographics of people living with a disability, coupled with increases in life expectancy and changing needs, have all had a significant impact. In addressing these challenges – and, of course, opportunities, given that increasing life expectancy is an opportunity rather than a challenge - the Department of Children, Disability and Equality is engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, housing authorities and the HSE to explore means of responding to the need for additional capacity, which can assist forward planning and cost-effective placements. The national housing strategy 2022 to 2027 places responsibility for the provision of housing with the Department of housing, working in conjunction with the HSE to provide supports related to individual care needs. The HSE and local authorities are working together to map the need and develop and advance plans for delivering housing to people with disabilities. Local housing and disability steering groups and regional forums have been established to progress the implementation of the national housing strategy for disabled people and these forums facilitate collaborative working between local authorities, the HSE, approved housing bodies, AHBs, and voluntary service providers. The Department of Children, Disability and Equality continues to engage with the HSE to explore various ways of responding to demand while appropriately managing the significant levels of funding provided. Dedicated housing co-ordinators have been appointed to assist with placement planning and identifying housing options for people with all levels of disability. I am informed that HSE Dublin and north east provides and funds a range of services and supports for people with disabilities, including those residing in Dublin Fingal West. Supports include day services, respite services, residential services, home support and personal assistance. I assure the Deputy that HSE Dublin and north east continuously works to improve the availability of supports to individuals in the area, including the residents of her constituency. I reiterate the importance of ensuring we continue to support people with disabilities to live meaningful and fulfilling lives, with a person-centred approach throughout the broad spectrum of services provided. I do not know if I should be declaring an interest because my wife is a nurse manager in this very area, Fingal. I do not know if I am meant to declare that or not.
Sentiment score: 0.36
I will gladly ask the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, who cannot be here, to send that exact information to all the Deputies and representatives in Fingal. That is a reasonable request but I just do not have it to hand.
Sentiment score: 0.49
Once again, I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue, which is a priority for the Government. The Government recognises that there is more to do to improve the lived experience of those with a disability. The increase in the disability budget for 2026 further demonstrates the multiple commitments made in the programme for Government commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities and making a difference. The ambition of this Government is to bring about a step change in services for people with a disability in Ireland and we are committed to the expansion and reform of disability services in order to maximise people’s independence and support them to live ordinary lives in ordinary places like everybody else does. This is reflected in the very significant investment being made in specialist services recently. In 2026, we are supporting another 199 residential supports for people with disabilities. While the strategy, policy direction and overall allocation are a matter for the Minister, funding allocations to regions and individual service providers at a local level is an operational matter for the HSE. The Department, in conjunction with the HSE, will always strive to ensure disability services are delivered in an equitable manner across all regional health areas as effectively as possible to ensure maximum benefit for those who require services. I assure the Deputy that this Government is aware of the challenges present across all regional health areas and that the Department is working alongside the HSE to address these challenges and increase the provision of services, including residential services of the various types that have been mentioned in this debate.
Sentiment score: 0.56