I thank the Deputy for raising this question and providing me with an opportunity to speak on this matter. The Government is committed to supporting people with disabilities through the implementation of the UNCRPD. To further the work in this area the Department of Children, Disability and Equality has recently published the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. This includes commitments to promote independent living and active participation and supports our obligations under Article 19 of the UNCRPD. Demand for residential placements is very high for a number of reasons, including demographic challenges associated with the increase in the number of people living with a disability, changing needs and the increase in age profile of those in existing placements. The HSE advises that while every effort is made by the referring agency to ensure the provision of residential services is close to family and natural supports, taking will and preference into account, there are multiple important factors to be considered simultaneously in order to achieve a residential placement that will best meet the unique and assessed needs and requirements of each individual. Prior to placement, consultation with the individual and their family is undertaken and consent is documented as part of the decision-making process. A comprehensive needs assessment is undertaken by the multidisciplinary team to determine suitability and impact on the individual and their family. Funded placement reviews focus on areas such as the individual’s well-being and continuity of supports, in accordance with the national standards and Health Act regulations. The HSE advises that each case is reviewed regularly where a transition closer to home is the will and preference of the individual. These actions are aligned with the principles of the UNCRPD and the HSE’s commitment to equality and human rights. In recognition of the impact that distance can have on people and their loved ones, HSE south west has recently engaged with a private provider to purchase houses in Cork to create capacity in order for people to be repatriated to their home county and create additional new placements. HSE mid-west also confirms it is endeavouring to offer individuals the option of living in residential services closer to their communities through capacity building.
Sentiment score: 0.44
I thank the Deputy. While the chief inspector of social services within HIQA does not have the remit to look at the specific issue of an individual’s distance from their original home, where inspectors see that residents are away from their support network or having to travel extended distances to their family, work or school, it is addressed in inspection reports under regulation 9 on residents’ rights and regulation 13 on general welfare and development. On private and not-for-profit providers, the proportion of residential placements for people with disabilities provided by for-profit providers has increased in recent years. This has been in response to demand for new residential places. We have 1,402 residential placements being provided by private providers. This constitutes 15% of the total of all placements and represents an increase of 3% since December 2023, so while it is rising it is rising at 3% over two years.
Sentiment score: 0.24
On data, I wish to be clear that the cost of care is completely dependent on the level of complexity and the support required. It is imperative to note that as a result, cost is not a reflection of performance and rather is indicative of individualised care needs. What is most important here is the person with the care need at the heart of this. The Deputy has the data on the average cost of residential places. That data is published and publicly available. The Department of Children, Disability and Equality's spending review 2025 contains this information, which is publicly available on our website. It should be noted these average costs are derived from a relatively small sample of placements from 2024 because there is a relatively small sample of placements in existence.
Sentiment score: 0.29