I raise a concern about the high number of disabled citizens, especially those with autism or an intellectual disability, who are often waiting the longest on our social housing lists. There are significant delays in providing suitable housing options for people. Some are still living at home with elderly parents who are no longer capable of caring for the individual. Others are still living in congregated settings, which were supposed to be phased out years ago. Others are still being inappropriately placed in nursing homes.

There is a lack of vision and planning. The Housing for All strategy was launched during the term of the previous Government. There was supposed to be co-operation between the HSE and the county council in every area to provide suitable housing options but that is not happening. I do not blame the local authorities in this case. They are prepared to provide the housing. Sometimes the house is just a regular house and there is no need for any sort of adaptations or anything like that but the person concerned may require some form of care or support within that house. That is not being provided by the HSE. Some of the cases are complex and others are not. It is unfair on people who are not being treated equally as citizens of this country. Their fair share of housing options is not being provided.

It often ends up in an emergency situation. When a parent or carer passes away, the individual is placed in a residential setting, often in a completely different county from where he or she grew up. It is very unfair. We need a discussion on housing options for our disabled citizens to ensure they are treated properly.