1567. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to outline the policy for de-congregation of disability residential services; the way in which such a policy should best be implemented in a context where demand for residential services for disabled people is rapidly increasing and in which there is a high prevalence of disabled adults living with ageing carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42065/26]

This Government’s policy on decongregation is set out in Time to Move on from Congregated Settings and is implemented through the wider Transforming Lives programme. The policy is intended to support people with disabilities to move from large (10 person or more) or campus-style congregated settings into ordinary homes in the community, with individualised supports, in line with Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Ireland ratified in 2018.

This Government recognises that the implementation of this policy must take place in a context where demand for residential services is increasing significantly, including for adults with disabilities who are living with ageing carers. Decongregation cannot be pursued in isolation and must be accompanied by the expansion of other disability supports such as residential, respite, home support and personal assistance, so that people can access the right support at the right time and, where possible, before a crisis arises.

Increasing the provision of disability services is a key priority for this Government and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, alongside the HSE, is continuing to work to increase provision in order to assist those who are most vulnerable in our society, and who urgently require services.

The overall budget increase from €1.7bn at the close of 2017 to close to €3.9bn in 2026 for specialist disability services, reflects the Programme for Government commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities, signalling to those with a disability that this Government is committed to making a difference to their lives.

Specialist disability residential services make up the largest part of the Disability funding disbursed by the HSE, almost 60% (€2.2bn) of the total budget.

€65m has been allocated to Disability Residential Services in 2026 for new developments, which includes €40m of funding that will provide in the region of 199 residential responses. This includes 152 newly created residential placements as outlined in the HSE’s National Service Plan for 2026, including 72 planned places and 80 places to meet urgent, unplanned need.

The remaining €25m consists of:

• €6m to support 40 residential packages for children in care with complex needs, in coordination with Túsla.

• €6m to enhance 38 existing residential placements for individuals whose support needs have increased

• €3m for decongregation, to support the transition of 58 people from congregated settings to more appropriate homes in the community.

• €10m for U65s in Nursing Homes, which includes €8m to support 45 transitions to more appropriate settings, and €2m to enhance quality of life for those remaining in nursing homes

Prior to the transition of people out of congregated settings, the HSE ensure on a case-by-case basis, that the new community-based placement is suitable for an individual including to ensure will, preference and unique needs are taken into account, with compatibility with other residents of the new home also considered.

HIQA continue to advise of their findings that residents have a much better quality of life in a community-based settings compared to a congregated setting. Generally, a community-based setting means that residents live with a smaller number of people and have more control and choice over their daily routines.

Additionally, in February 2026, the HSE’s Capital Plan 2026 was published, detailing €43 million in capital investment for Disability Services, an increase of €16million compared with 2025. 2026 brings the first of a five-year investment plan supported by €278 million in funding through the National Development Plan.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality, is also engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Authority, and the HSE, to explore means of responding to the need for additional capacity, which can assist forward planning and cost-effective placements.

Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities, each local authority will prepare a new Housing Delivery Action Plan setting out their planned delivery of social and affordable housing out to 2030.

The Department of Housing will be ensuring through these housing plans that disabled people are getting the social housing allocations to support independent living in the community, including the provision of community dwellings for disabled people requiring a residential placement which have also to be supported by the HSE funding.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality continue to work closely with the HSE to achieve a more balanced response to the demand for residential placements and move towards planned provision and away from unplanned responses where possible. HSE regions are working collaboratively with voluntary service providers in each Integrated Healthcare Area to identify and prioritise individuals, in an effort to ensure plans are in place before a crisis arises.

Additionally, throughout 2026, this Department is undertaking research and progressing policy development, with a view to developing a new policy framework for specialist residential services, which will include models of service.