807. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in relation to the announced funding in Budget 2027 for 212 residential places in 2027, the number that are new beds; and the number that are reserved for emergencies only. [73227/26]

Increasing funding provided to the HSE has supported the creation of over 1,000 new specialist disability residential places since 2020 including 142 new places from January to August 2026.

Budget 2027 delivers significant progress for disabled children and adults, bringing the budget for Disability Services to over €4billion for the first time. While continuing to fund existing placements, this Budget will provide additional investment of €108.4million for residential services, which includes the full year cost of 2026 service delivery and a further expansion of services in 2027.

This additional investment includes €62.4million for new developments. This will support a range of residential measures including new placements as well as enhancements for existing residential places where individual needs have become more complex. Subject to finalisation of the HSE’s 2027 National Service Plan, this is expected to support 212 newly created placements (including approximately 100 planned and 112 placements to respond to urgent need) , the majority of whom will move from their family home.

This funding will also support a number of new placements into existing vacant places with necessary enhancements as well as continuing to support the transition of disabled people under the age of 65 living in nursing homes to more appropriate homes in the community while also supporting further transitions from congregated settings into community-based placements, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

In addition to residential services, Budget 2027 will fund a range of other measures to support disabled people and their families/carers include day services, respite services, home support and personal assistance. These supports play a critical role in enabling independence and community participation. Respite continues to be a key priority area for this Department alongside the HSE, to support disabled people and their families with significant investment in respite services provided over the last few years. Budget 2027 will provide investment of €15million in respite services, providing for the full year cost of 2026 activity and allowing for the expansion of services in 2027. This expansion of services is in response to the increasing demand for flexible, person-centred respite supports while strengthening the sustainability of family care arrangements and reducing reliance on crisis-driven interventions.