Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses have collectively highlighted the shocking estimate of 1,500 people under the age of 65 living in nursing homes. I have unsuccessfully tried to get figures from the HSE for Cork on this matter. All Deputies need to do whatever we can to end the practice of accommodating under-65s with disabilities in nursing homes.

There are multifaceted issues around students with disabilities, which the witnesses also raised in their statements. Families are concerned that any individual or collective progress may be lost when schools and colleges open in the autumn. What priorities should we as Deputies focus on in supporting young people and students with disabilities or additional needs if they return to education?