Dr. Rosalyn Tamming:

The HSE figures are that approximately 1,600 people are still in congregated settings. HIQA has higher figures. Progress has been quite slow. Detailed figures have not been done in a while. The HSE is planning to do another comprehensive census of who is still living in congregated settings. This will help with the planning.

Covid had a big impact as it was not as prioritised. There is also the housing issue. We have done several pieces of research in this area. One study looked at the lives of people before and after leaving congregated settings and living in the community. It found that quality of life is much better when living in the community. We also did a study looking at the staff and seeing how they adapted to moving out into the community. There is quite a difference. It requires almost a whole different set of skills and competencies and ways of working. Some adapted very well and others struggled a little. Managers found it a very busy resource-intensive time. Resourcing is an issue that will have to be considered. In the next strategy, I would love to see ambitious commitments to have everybody decongregated within five years and see the resources put in place to do this.