Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his statement. I acknowledge the pressure that the Department is under owing to the housing crisis but, as we know, the crisis comes down to Government policy, funding, schemes and the political will to address the issues. What seems to be forgotten about is that there are genuine issues regarding equality in housing policy because of the already-dire housing situation. It worries me that the housing crisis might be used as an excuse to deprioritise equality issues, especially when it comes to ensuring the rights of disabled people to access appropriate supports according to their housing needs and independent living. An example from my own constituency concerns a person who recently became disabled and who, as a current tenant of local authority housing, applied to have adaptations made by the council. The council stated the works could not be done on the property, despite the fact that the individual had received a quote privately and advice to the effect that the works could be done. The council then offered a transfer to a house that was considered suitable to meet the needs of the tenant but it completely disregarded the fact that the location was miles away from the tenant's support system, local shops and services and that the tenant would not be able to get around. The tenant was basically told that this was the best that could be offered at the time. There has to be more flexibility when these circumstances arise. I am aware that this is a specific case and I have taken it up with the local authority, but the housing strategy for people with disabilities must provide flexibility regarding the range of requirements for independent living. There must be a way to ensure that councils adhere to the policy even when resources are scarce.

I have a few points and questions. Why is the national housing strategy document on housing people with disabilities a document covering the period 2011 to 2016? I note that the plan was extended for this year but it seems like there is poor management of strategy documents that have been reviewed and refreshed. It makes me wonder how disability matters are prioritised in the overall housing strategy. Clare County Council confirmed to me yesterday that it only recently received the draft template for local authorities for the new strategy. It is to be completed by May 2021. Is there a reason this is at the last minute? Very late notice has been given for such important work.

I have a question on independent living. Submissions to the committee highlight a severe gap in housing and support service provision between the HSE and local authorities. People with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, are being left on social housing lists because they require allocations of funding, supported living or social care supports. Can the Minister of State elaborate on the process and the barriers to the provision of social housing to people with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, who require a social care support? How will housing for people with disabilities be considered within the general national housing activities and how are local authorities and the HSE ensuring effective interagency co-operation to meet the needs of the group concerned?