Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is a link between congregated settings, nursing home issues and young people in nursing homes. The reality is that there are 2,200 people in congregated settings and we are trying to move 160 people out this year. We would like to do more, of course. Young people in nursing homes is an issue that is closely linked to the debate around personal assistance hours and home support hours. It is also linked to the broader issue of the cost of having a disability.

I work closely with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection on the issue and we are carrying out a study at a cost of approximately €300,000 to deal with the high costs for persons with a disability who must buy aids, medical equipment, drugs and so on. The plan is that the research will be completed by the end of December, with an interim report due by the end of August. Therefore, we are taking action on the matter which we take as the reality. It is linked with the Senator's strong point about people living in the community. When trying to keep people out of institutions and help them to live independently, a value for money argument must be made. That is part of my role. The bottom line is that for people living in nursing homes to whom the Senator referred, we must design services in their interests. That is the direction in which we must move to ensure an inclusive Ireland, but we must also convince others that it makes economic sense for people to live independently with support in their own home.