Emer Higgins
Dublin Mid-West · Fine Gael · Ireland
“With regard to the background, and as the Senator has touched on, this project was designed on the basis of a 30-year operational lease, with the primary objective of delivering value for money over the lifetime of that lease.”
“Regarding the specific situation in Castlebar that the Senator has raised, Tusla has indicated that following careful consideration, including extensive negotiations, which he referred to, and legal mediation with the developers, it was unable to reach an agreement.”
“They came forward, often at enormous personal cost, and continued to seek answers and accountability when the very systems that should have protected them had failed. For many survivors of child sexual abuse, the abuse does not end when it stops.”
“The strongest projects are those that invest in feasibility studies, site assessments, stakeholder engagement and detailed design from the outset, because decisions made at the earliest stage often have the greatest impact on cost, quality and operational performance.”
“As a result, it made a significant uplift on its original offer. The additional increase sought could not be justified, however, when benchmarked against comparable projects across both Tusla and the HSE. That comes back to the value-for-money argument.”
“Justice Michael White for their significant work and acknowledge how deeply distressing the findings are. They reveal repeated missed opportunities, ignored warning signs and systemic failures that allowed abuse to occur over many years. Children who should have been protected were instead left vulnerable.”
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“As a result, it made a significant uplift on its original offer. The additional increase sought could not be justified, however, when benchmarked against comparable projects across both Tusla and the HSE. That comes back to the value-for-money argument. While it is very disappointing that this project could not proceed on the terms proposed, it is essential that all public investment decisions are guided by strong governance, rigorous scrutiny and a steadfast commitment to value for money. As mentioned previously, the Minister, Deputy Foley, wishes to reassure the local community that the need for services in Castlebar remains a priority. That is why a medium-term accommodation solution has been secured. Identifying and delivering a sustainable, long-term solution for the Senator's area remains a priority.”
“I thank the Senator for his comments. I appreciate that this is not the news that he or his constituents are seeking. However, as he said, at least it is some level of clarity. Tusla remains committed to providing the infrastructure and accommodation required to support vulnerable children, young people and families. Equally, it has responsibility to ensure that all investment decisions represent the best use of public funds. In this particular case, despite what I was told was extensive engagement, protracted negotiations and legal mediation, Tusla has concluded that the terms proposed by the developer did not represent appropriate value for money over the lifetime of the proposed lease and accordingly has decided not to proceed. Tusla recognises the impact of construction inflation.”
“That is what happened here. These are the principles that have informed Tusla’s consideration of the proposal in Castlebar and ultimately led to the decision not to proceed in this instance. Again, while this proposal will not move forward, it does not diminish the importance of meeting the service needs in the Senator’s area. The Minister wishes to reassure the Senator and the local community that Tusla has secured a medium-term accommodation solution for Castlebar and that she will continue to work towards a long-term solution.”
“The strongest projects are those that invest in feasibility studies, site assessments, stakeholder engagement and detailed design from the outset, because decisions made at the earliest stage often have the greatest impact on cost, quality and operational performance. I appreciate that challenges such as inflation, supply chain disruption, planning delays and unforeseen site conditions may arise and may need to be managed to protect budgets, timelines and projected outcomes. These considerations highlight why value for money must underpin every stage of project delivery. It is about more than just securing the lowest cost option. It is also about achieving the right balance between cost, quality, efficiency and long-term benefit. To achieve this, public bodies must take a whole-of-life approach to decision-making.”
“In the circumstances, Tusla concluded that any further cost increase could not be justified from a value-for-money perspective. More broadly, the objective of any public service leasing or construction project is to meet service needs while ensuring the best use of public funds. Success is measured not only by delivery on time and within budget but by the long-term value and benefits of a project. Effective projects begin with clearly identified service needs and are underpinned by strong governance, robust planning and sound decision-making. Careful planning and preparation are essential.”
“With regard to the background, and as the Senator has touched on, this project was designed on the basis of a 30-year operational lease, with the primary objective of delivering value for money over the lifetime of that lease. As part of its assessment, Tusla benchmarked the proposed rental and service charges against comparable facilities, including similar projects within both Tusla and the HSE. Following this review, Tusla concluded that the costs sought by the developer did not represent value for money over the proposed lease term. While the developer cited construction inflation as justification for the increases, Tusla determined that the level of increases sought could not be supported. In an effort to reach agreement, Tusla offered a significant uplift on its original offer. However, this was rejected by the developer.”
“Regarding the specific situation in Castlebar that the Senator has raised, Tusla has indicated that following careful consideration, including extensive negotiations, which he referred to, and legal mediation with the developers, it was unable to reach an agreement. It has now concluded that the proposal did not represent a viable option. Unfortunately, this means Tusla has decided not to proceed with this development. Although this proposal will not move forward, that does not diminish the importance of meeting service needs in the area. The Minister has asked me to directly reassure the Senator, and indeed the local community, that Tusla has secured a medium-term accommodation solution for Castlebar and remains actively engaged in identifying a sustainable long-term solution for the area at the earliest opportunity.”
“I thank the Senator for raising this important issue and offering me the opportunity to respond on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Foley. I also thank the Senator for his comments on the staff who work in Tusla in very challenging and often vulnerable circumstances. It is good to put that on the record of the House. It is also important to acknowledge that decisions relating to the acquisition or leasing of properties by Tusla, and indeed all public bodies, require careful consideration. Such decisions must balance long-term needs with the responsibility to secure value for taxpayers’ money, particularly where significant financial commitments are involved.”
“We now have a much greater understanding of child sexual abuse, of the lasting harm it causes and the importance of systems that listen to children, that support survivors and that act quickly when concerns arise. Significant progress has been made in child protection, safeguarding and public awareness. Those changes matter. They cannot undo what has happened, nor can they lessen our responsibility to ensure that every child is safe and heard and every concern is taken seriously. Today is not about institutions, however. It is about people and the people who were failed by them. To every survivor, for the abuse that you suffered and the failures that left you without the protection that you deserved, and for the years it took for your voices to be heard, we are deeply sorry.”
“Justice Michael White for their significant work and acknowledge how deeply distressing the findings are. They reveal repeated missed opportunities, ignored warning signs and systemic failures that allowed abuse to occur over many years. Children who should have been protected were instead left vulnerable. The institutions entrusted with keeping children safe failed in that duty. Concerns were not acted upon, children were not listened to and opportunities to intervene were missed. The consequences of those failures have been profound. Reading the report, it is impossible not to think about what could have been different if action was taken sooner - how much suffering may have been prevented and how many lives might have been spared years of trauma. Ireland has learned painful lessons from its past.”
“No apology can undo that harm or give back what was taken from anyone who has suffered. It cannot erase the years of pain, nor can it change the failures that allowed abuse to continue. However, it can acknowledge those failures. It can recognise the profound wrong that was done. It can say clearly and without reservation that those children were let down by the very people and institutions meant to protect them. That is why today's apology matters. It is about recognising the truth, taking responsibility and making it clear that children must always come first. I welcome the publication of the final report of the south east independent commission of investigation and acknowledge the significant work involved in bringing this difficult process to a conclusion. I thank Judge Barry Hickson and Mr.”
“They came forward, often at enormous personal cost, and continued to seek answers and accountability when the very systems that should have protected them had failed. For many survivors of child sexual abuse, the abuse does not end when it stops. Its impact can last a lifetime and can affect every aspect of a person's life - their mental health, their relationships, their sense of safety, their confidence and their ability to trust others. It can shape childhood, adulthood and family life in ways that are difficult to put into words. Many survivors have carried that burden in silence. We know they have felt isolated, disbelieved in some instances and forgotten in others because they have told us that. Some have spent decades searching not only for justice but simply for an acknowledgement of what happened to them.”
“I join the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for justice and many other Ministers in offering a sincere apology to the survivors of Bill Kenneally's abuse. Today, above all else, my thoughts are with the victims and survivors. Many of them are with us in the Gallery today. Thank you for being here. I can only imagine the strength it must take to sit in this Chamber and to hear one of the darkest chapters of your lives spoken about publicly. Your presence matters. It is because of the courage, resilience and determination of people that we are at this moment. I also acknowledge the survivors who are not with us today. This apology is every bit as much for them. The truth came to light because survivors refused to let it remain hidden.”
“I ask the Deputy to relay my condolences to his constituent at this very difficult time. As Minister of State with responsibility for disability, we are doing a huge amount of work to increase residential and indeed respite placements across the country. Just this week, the HSE announced funding for alternative respite to take place through the summer months. The Deputy's particular query about carers is something that I will raise with the Minister for Social Protection, regarding payments and thresholds. The Deputy will know that, as of last week, carers' payments thresholds have increased, so more people are now eligible for this. If the Deputy wants to pass his case on to me, I can raise it with the Department of Social Protection or he can raise it directly with the Minister for Social Protection.”
“Our focus now needs to ensure that we continue to invest in services, grow our workforce and plan for future demand, and work across Government to remove barriers for people with disabilities and provide better supports for families who are caring for their loved ones.”
“In recognition of the cross-departmental nature of the supports required by people with disabilities, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality has published the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, as co-designed by people with disabilities. The implementation and monitoring group on it, which holds all of us Ministers to account, has representatives of disabled people and their DPOs. Collaborative approaches are needed and they are going to be central to meeting the challenges ahead and delivering better outcomes for disabled people and their families. Today's discussion has highlighted both the scale of the challenges that remain but also some of the progress that is being made.”
“It will also allow a potential investment in disability capital for residential, respite, day services and assessments in multidisciplinary teams of up to €278 million between now and 2030. Alongside this work, and as referenced by many contributors, the Department is also developing an updated capacity review for specialist disability services which will project demand, need profile and required resourcing across key service areas up to 2040. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year. This updated review will provide an important evidence base for future project demand, need profile and resourcing and will allow us to plan better. However, while planning for future services and supports is essential we know meeting the needs of people with disabilities requires action now and a much broader, whole-of-government response.”
“This includes €25 million in new development funding for respite services, €44.3 million for day services and €12.1 million to support home support and personal assistance services, as mentioned here. Deputy Sherlock mentioned the challenges being experienced by some families with assisted decision-making. I confirm we are bringing forward the planned review of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act and look forward to engaging with families and people with disabilities on that. Work is also under way to ensure the support for future development of disability services in terms of a multi-annual strategy for disability capital. This will allow a more strategic approach to disability capital investment, especially in light of the recent national development plan review.”
“Funding will also be provided to further support the HSE’s under-65 programme, as mentioned by Deputy Wall and others, and further transitions from congregated settings. Since 2020 additional funding provided to the HSE has supported the creation of over 1,000 additional new priority 1 residential places for people with a disability. These placements largely support people moving from their family home to residential services and are in addition to transitions from congregated settings. Between 2022 and 2024 €52.4 million of CAS was provided by the Department of housing to deliver 280 units of housing for disabled people. In addition to supporting residential services this year’s budget also provides funding for the provision and expansion of a variety of services to support people to live in their community, including in local homes.”
“Specialist disability residential services represents the largest areas of HSE disability spend and accounted for almost 60% of the total budget. This year €65 million has been allocated to disability residential services to support new developments. This includes €40 million in funding to provide approximately 199 new residential responses and 152 new residential placements comprising 72 planned placements and 81 priority 1 placements to meet urgent need, as outlined in the HSE national service plan. Importantly, that service plan places increased emphasis on longer-term planning for residential placements with strengthened operational processes being put in place to respond to the current high demand.”
“Most importantly, we need to ensure the voice of the person with a disability remains at the centre of everything we do. As we look to the future that means continuing to build services that provide greater choice, greater flexibility and more individualised responses while also ensuring those services remains sustainable and make the best use of available resources. Achieving that balance will be really important. It is a big challenge but the most important thing we need to do to meet that challenge is to plan ahead. To support this, the Government has continued to invest significantly in specialist disability services over recent years. We received a 20% increase in funding this year compared with last year.”
“As the Minister outlined, a range of policy and strategic responses are currently being developed to support further improvements across disability services and many of those are being developed in a cross-Department manner. The key now is implementation. We want to deliver these improvements at the best pace and we want to deliver them to the highest standard possible. That requires both human and financial resources, which is something we are working on. Behind all this are the people who are making those services work every day and I pay tribute to the contribution of staff up and down the country in the HSE, section 38s, section 39s and private providers who are supporting people in this situation. It is also important to recognise the absolutely invaluable contribution of families and the natural support networks people have.”
“That is the kind of interagency co-operation Deputy Toole called for and I confirm it is happening. The HSE is also establishing residential planning and review teams to enable us to better plan our responses to residential needs and to ensure placements - especially those where people are placed outside their county, which many Deputies referred to – are reviewed regularly. It will also help us deliver a system that plans ahead better. This year we are, under a new initiative, delivering planned residential placements as well as emergency placements. We need to build on the number of planned residential places delivered this year and I will be working with the Minister to fight for additional budget to deliver additional planned placements next year.”
“It is a really positive step and follows a significant amount of cross-sectoral work, which was driven by the Taoiseach and Ministers at the special Cabinet committee on disability. I recently met the director of housing in Mayo County Council and with the access officer in Donegal County Council. I would like to recognise the local authorities that are leading the way on this. The introduction of new plans and targets will focus each and every local authority so they will give this the priority it needs. To support families with adult children with intellectual disabilities, and indeed families of children with all disabilities, the HSE is putting in place housing co-ordinators to develop housing opportunities together with approved housing bodies, service providers and local authority housing teams.”
“This means understanding outcomes are achieved for people who use services and it means ensuring those services are delivered in a safe, high-quality and person-centred way. We can only achieve that with the right people and with access to the right housing needs. Addressing workplaces challenges, including the recruitment and retention of a strong workforce, and having the right regulatory environment for the sector in place is key. So too is access to appropriate and adequate availability of housing. In that regard, I echo the Minister’s welcome of the circular from this week to local authorities on housing development action plans. Those plans will deliver more appropriate accommodation solutions for people with complex disabilities in local authorities across the country.”
“I welcome them here and commend them on their advocacy and the detailed research they have collected, collated and presented. Most importantly, I thank them for their practical suggestions, which I look forward to working with them on. I have also met members of Remember Us alongside Deputy Boland. Parents in both groups but also right across the country know better than any of us in this Chamber how complex an area it is. They know we must work together across Government to meet growing demand for the required services because we require action, and action across a range of interconnected areas, many of which the Minister touched on earlier. Ultimately, we need to be able to deliver timely and appropriate data and that needs to be used to help build timely and appropriate responses.”
“I thank all Deputies for their passionate contributions on what is a very important topic. The issues highlighted are very important but we all share a common objective of ensuring people with disabilities receive timely and appropriate specialist services and placements when they need them. While there may be different views on the measures needed to achieve that objective, ultimately we are all seeking better outcomes for people with disabilities. As the Minister, Deputy Foley, outlined, substantial work is already under way to improve services, build capacity and ensure people can access the supports they need. As the Minister of State with special responsibility for disability, I am determined to work across Government to make that happen. Just last week the Tánaiste and I met members of the Before We Die campaign.”
“This includes six student sponsorships across integrated healthcare area, IHA, Carlow, Kilkenny and south Tipperary and IHA Wexford and Waterford. Therefore, the Deputies will see even in their own areas that this is an initiative that is working to help support their constituents. In addition, a dedicated disability workforce strategy is being developed by the HSE this year to meet growing service demands and address recruitment and retention challenges. While challenges do remain, both the Government, the HSE and our funded service providers - our section 38 and section 39 organisations - remain absolutely committed to improving access to disability services, strengthening workforce capacity and ensuring that children with disabilities and their families receive the supports they need.”
“I thank the Deputies very much. I fully appreciate not just their frustrations but those of the parents and children they are here representing. I am pleased to be able to say that we are making progress when it comes to recruitment. The HSE reported a 28% increase in staffing levels nationwide from October 2023 to October 2025. That equates to 448 whole-time equivalents now working in HSE disability services. That includes an additional 321 who are specifically health and social care professionals. We are doing a lot of work to increase that pipeline to be able to hire from. One example of this is the student sponsorship programme, which we launched in April of last year. That has already resulted in more than 40 graduates taking up roles in our CDNTs nationally.”
“This can slow things down and, ultimately, everybody wants that sped up. Unfortunately, children on the CDNT register, whether they are on waiting lists or on an open caseload, are likely to be waiting some time in terms of intervention. That is a direct result of those issues, which we are determined to overcome. I acknowledge the frustration this can cause for children and their families. The HSE and CDNT lead agencies are continuing to work actively and collaboratively to recruit into funded posts to strengthen workforce capacity and support staff retention across the sector. We have provided funding for additional posts in recent years to enhance the capacity of teams and reduce waiting lists. Most recently, €8 million was secured in this year's budget to support the recruitment of 150 additional posts for CDNT teams.”
“As Deputy Ó Súilleabháin pointed out, in the north west and in south Wicklow, there is a particular issue with dietitians; as Deputy McGuinness pointed out, in Dungarvan, there is a particular issue in terms of speech and language therapists; and as Deputy Newsome Drennan pointed out, while in south Kilkenny there are high vacancy rates, in Kilkenny, there are not. There are areas where vacancy rates are higher and we will be prioritising the teams with the highest vacancy rates when it comes to allocation of additional resources. Services are operating under significant pressure. That is as a result of those vacancy rates and also the demand. While teams continue to work hard to meet the needs of the children and families, workforce shortages can impact the capacity to provide assessments therapies and interventions.”
“The HSE preliminary data to the end of March this year indicates that for Dublin and the south-east health region, which is the region all three Deputies represent, 6,834 children are on open CDNT caseloads or are receiving services, and a waiting list of 2,078 children remains. The children's disability network team in Waterford and the south east continues to provide services and supports for children from birth to 18 years of age. I would like to pay tribute to all the staff working in our CDNT teams, not just in that region but across Ireland. Like many areas across the country, they continue to face recruitment and retention challenges across a range of health and social care professions.”
“HSE preliminary data for March 2026 indicates our CDNTs are providing services and supports nationally for 45,472 children and strategies and supports for wait-listed children with urgent needs, where staffing resources allow. These are encouraging in terms of the numbers of children receiving support but there has also been encouraging progress in the numbers on our waiting lists reducing. In that same period, the national CDNT waiting list has reduced by 50% from 16,522 children in 2023 to 8,200 children at the end of March this year. In the national services plan for this year, the HSE is committed to a further 25% reduction in the numbers on our waiting lists.”
“I thank all three Deputies for raising this really important issue and giving me the opportunity to respond. As the Minister of State with responsibility for disability, I, along with the Minister, Deputy Foley, and the Government, fully recognise the importance of providing timely and appropriate supports for people with disabilities and their families. We are committed to improving access to these services across the country, including for children and families in Waterford and the south east. The HSE children's disability services team has undergone significant reform and restructuring over the past few years. The core focus of these changes has been to ensure children with complex needs and their families receive an appropriate and accessible family-centred service.”
“This will ensure more families on lower incomes, including those below the relative poverty line, will qualify for the highest level of support. In addition, increases to the multiple-child discount component of the income-assessed subsidy for families for two or more children will further reduce families' reckonable income, thereby supporting access to higher subsidy rates for childcare. As I have said, that childcare is available through NCS services throughout the summer months.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. As I said, childcare is a priority for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality and the Government as a whole. The Deputy is specifically referring to summer camps and recreational activities outside the NCS. Summer camps which provide early years service, that is, summer camps for children under six years of age, are considered an early years service and must therefore be registered, unless exempted as defined under section 58A of the Child Care Act, inserted by section 92 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013. I would like it noted that further enhancements of the income-assessed subsidy are being introduced from 31 October of this year. These include an increase in the lower income threshold to qualify for the maximum subsidy rate from €26,000 to €34,000.”
“Where eligible families register with such a service, they may continue to avail of their NCS subsidy during the summer months. Importantly, families may choose to claim the maximum weekly hours, namely, 45 hours, during school holidays, including the summer. An evaluation of the NCS has recently commenced. This review will assess the performance of the scheme to date and its operation within the wider early learning and childcare funding and policy environment. It will also identify any improvements that could be made to enhance accessibility and affordability and to ensure that the scheme is working for as many families as possible.”
“The scheme operates on a tapered, income-assessed basis, with subsidy rates reducing progressively as household incomes increase. This design ensures that families with the lowest levels of income receive the highest rates of support. The scheme also includes a universal element whereby all eligible families may apply for a minimum of €2.14 per hour for a maximum of 40 weekly hours, regardless of their income levels. While the NCS does not provide subsidies for stand-alone summer camps or recreational activities outside of Tusla-registered early learning and childcare, many participating NCS services continue to operate during the summer season. This ensures public funding is provided where there is assurance of the quality of provision.”
“I thank Deputy O'Donoghue for raising this issue and offering me the opportunity to respond on behalf of the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Deputy Norma Foley. The Department is conscious that the cost of early learning and childcare and organised summer activities can present financial challenges for families, particularly those on lower incomes. Through a range of measures, the Government seeks to reduce these costs and improve access to high-quality, affordable childcare. A key support in this regard is the national childcare scheme, NCS. This scheme provides financial supports in the form of either universal or income-assessed subsidies to reduce the cost of early learning and childcare for eligible families.”
“There is commitment at the highest political level on this issue. The group has done amazing work. I met its members only last week with the Tánaiste to go through the results of its surveys and its requests. I will continue to work with it to deliver improvements in this area. We need to get to a point where there is a more planned and sustainable approach to this issue. I am determined to do that. I will continue to work with the Senator, her colleagues and advocacy groups.”
“As I mentioned, we had a significant increase in the disability budget for this year, which shows Government's commitment to making a real difference to the lives of people with disabilities and to the lives of their families as well. My Department will continue to work across Government, which was one of the Senator's asks in her opening remarks. We will work cross-government with the Department of housing and local government, the HSE and other partners, including local authorities, to respond to what we know is growing demand and to ensure that residential services are planned and are delivered in a way that will become a way that best meets the needs of people with disabilities. The Minister, Deputy Foley, the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and I have all met the Before We Die group that the Senator mentioned.”
“To be clear, we are absolutely focused on making sure there is progress in this area, but we know there are huge challenges. We need to work through those challenges to improve access to disability services but also in being able to expand residential capacity and strengthen the supports that enable people to live independent and fulfilling lives. The Senator mentioned the figure regarding planned placements, and she is correct. However, she might not be aware that this is the first time ever we have had planned placements as a target. This is something we have introduced this year that we want to build on next year. It is a figure we want to see moving in the right direction, because it is absolutely needed.”
“Looking ahead, my Department is updating the disability capacity review and developing a new policy framework for specialist residential services to help ensure future supports continue to meet the changing needs of people with disabilities. These initiatives will support a more planned approach to service development, thereby ensuring people can access the right supports in the right place and at the right time.”
“These new roles will be filled by people whose jobs will be helping to support families in this situation and to help increase delivery of appropriate homes. This work is informing the housing delivery action plans and local disability housing targets. It is also helping to ensure future investment reflects identified need. Alongside increasing capacity, we are focused on ensuring residential services are planned and delivered in a more strategic and sustainable way. That is where many of these new roles will also come in, because they will help us put that more strategic focus on ensuring we are planning ahead for the families the Senator has mentioned.”
“Working together through the national housing strategy for disabled people, we will strengthen co-ordination between local authorities, the HSE and service providers to better understand the need and to be able to put together better plans for future housing and residential supports. The Senator referenced Cork County and City Council and the appointment of a new dedicated liaison officer. I met two of the women involved in that campaign only last week and I commend them. I want to let the Senator know that this is something we and the HSE are also doing. New housing co-ordination and residential placement planning and review teams are being established and new housing co-ordinators are being recruited within the HSE.”
“In support of these commitments, the Ministers, Deputies Browne and Foley, and I have been working with the HSE, local authorities and other partners to improve access to independent living supports and take a more planned approach to the delivery of residential services. There will be an update of this work shortly. A key objective of this is ensuring people with disabilities can access suitable housing and the supports they need to live independently in their communities, as the Senator has asked. While housing policy is led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, my Department funds the disability supports that enable people to live in their communities, including community living and specialist residential services.”
“The remaining €25 million will support residential packages for children with complex needs, enhanced supports for existing residents in decongregation transitions and the under-65s programme, which is important. These investments are helping to expand residential capacity and improve outcomes for people with disabilities across the country. As of April of this year, 9,031 specialist disability residential places were being delivered by approximately 90 service providers nationwide. Since 2020, additional funding has supported the creation of more than 1,000 new residential places for people with disabilities. More broadly, the programme for Government commits to investing in residential and independent living options for both adults and children while reducing waiting times for specialist disability services.”
“It is also reflected in the significant investment being made in disability services. The overall budget for specialist disability services has increased from €1.7 billion in 2017 to almost €3.9 billion this year, with specialist disability residential services accounting for almost 60% of the HSE's total disability budget spend. This year, €65 million has been allocated to support new developments in disability residential services. This includes €14 million to deliver approximately 199 residential responses and 152 new residential placements. Funding will also support new residents in existing placements that have become vacant and require enhancements or, in limited circumstances, placements in nursing home settings.”
“I thank Senator Lynch for raising this important issue and offering me the opportunity to respond. Supporting people with disabilities and their families is a key priority for the Government. My Department, together with the HSE, is committed to improving disability services so that people can access the supports they need when they need them. This commitment is reflected in both the programme for Government and the new National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which was co-designed with disabled people and their representative organisations. It was done that way to ensure that their voices and priorities were the heart of policy and service development. The Senator referred to how the lived experience must be taken on board, and that is exactly what has happened in terms of our strategy.”
“The autism protocol is complementary to that and that is a specific pathway for children who may require an autism diagnosis. Some 40% of children who come through an assessment of need are being diagnosed as autistic. This is about responding to that, making sure there are multiple pathways for all of the challenges that are out there and to ensure we can deliver to children who need therapies and assessments in a more timely fashion.”