3085. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of adults with intellectual disabilities in County Kildare awaiting residential placements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63401/26]

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality continues to engage with the HSE, to expand and develop residential services for people with disabilities. In recognition of the high demand for services, approximately €3.9 billion of funding has been allocated to Specialist Disability Services in 2026, representing a 20% increase on the previous year. Residential services make up the largest part of the Disability funding disbursed by the HSE, almost 60% of the total budget. Since 2020, additional funding provided to the HSE has supported the creation of over a thousand additional residential places for people with disabilities. As of June 2026, 8,991 specialist disability residential places are being delivered the HSE and approximately 90 service providers.

Residential placements generally respond to residential needs demonstrated on the HSE's Disability Support Application Management Tool (DSMAT), which provides a list and detailed profiles of people (Adults and Children) who need additional funded supports in each Health Region. Entries of the DSMAT are entered locally by the HSE and represent an indicator of need for people who come forward actively seeking services.

The Disability Supports Application Management Tool (DSMAT) is designed to deliver a consistent listing process for each HSE areas by presenting a detailed profile of the individuals who require both residential and non-residential supports and therefore assist the HSE areas in its residential planning processes. This supports the decision making process within each area for the placement of people with a disability requiring a residential placement by ensuring that a standardised consistent profile is available for each applicant for services.

The DSMAT captures detailed information on home and family circumstances and a detailed presentation profile of the individuals, including specialised profiles of behavioural intensity, key diagnoses, and complex support needs due to the extent and intensity of intellectual and/or physical & sensory disability.

While the HSE's Health Regions (RHAs) maintain the DSMAT, it should be noted it is not a chronological waiting list. Each local HSE Area would be aware of the presenting needs within each of their geographic areas. The HSE and service providers work with the person with a disability and their family to ensure continuity of care. Following referral and assessment, available resources are allocated on the basis of greatest presenting need and potential associated risk/safeguarding.

According to HSE DSMAT data, as per Q1 2026, 89 adults are awaiting a new residential placement in the HSE's Dublin and Midlands health region, including 34 who are classed as Priority 1.