Mr. Mark O'Connor:

On planning, we would have to say "No". When one looks at the HSE's annual service plan, it makes provision for 90 emergency cases this year, whereas in previous years that figure was as high as 180. No funding has been made available to the HSE to provide additional independent living supports for people with disabilities. The Health Research Board calculates the level of need. There are more than 700 people with intellectual disabilities aged over 55 living at home. If one does the maths, their parents have to be in their 80s at least. There are no plans in place to provide for those folks. Dr. McCarthy will give the committee a better insight into the nursing home issues.