Tom Clonan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Colfer. I do not know if he saw this but it was recently reported that a lady in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area donated the family home to a care agency. I do not want to comment specifically on her because that is her decision. However, a part of me feels very uneasy about that. We have arrived at a point where a parent, somebody like me or a carer, feels the only option for an adult child is to hand over the family home. This is a situation our guests are monitoring and it is not their responsibility. However, I feel strongly that the State should be providing these supports. There is a broader debate about whether these services should be provided by the State or should be outsourced to charitable institutions or section 38 and 39 organisations.

My fear concerns the 27% of people with disabilities who are homeless. As a parent, that is almost unthinkable but it is a fact. I am just concerned about whether the relevant agencies are prioritising and targeting them for assistance. I do not know. I thank the witnesses for the detail in their answers. I appreciate that.