Dr. Emer Begley:

The Deputy has raised a very important point around the social housing waiting lists. I had highlighted in my statement that the waiting list for disabled people is moving at a slower rate than those of the non-disabled population. There are many reasons for that and one of them is the housing crisis and the prioritisation of others where people with disabilities are falling down. It is also about the accessibility of the accommodation which is being offered. We are hearing instances where people are taking accommodation because they do not feel that they have a choice. It is actually not accessible for them and they are then going back on the housing waiting list, having been given a place to live.

It is important to think of the additional needs people may have. The example of the two-bedroom accommodation is very important because people may not take a house that is offered to them because they need an additional accommodation space to facilitate the holistic support infrastructure they need. There is a housing crisis which we are aware of, but for people with disabilities, the issue is finding accommodation that is suitable, accessible and affordable.