Ms AnnMarie Farrelly:

I thank the Deputy. I will bring in some of my colleagues. In terms of the figures presented to the committee today, in 2022 there were 2,472 new social housing allocations for people with a disability. It is a significant number. Not only that, since 2019 that number has been quite steady and I expect it to increase as more supplies come on board with the new Housing for All targets. In addition, 12,000 grants have been paid to private homes. That is with the intention of keeping people in their homes and doing the best we can to support them.

In terms of medical priority, I can outline to the Deputy the example of Fingal. In excess of 300 applicants have been designated a medical priority. That is a challenge in terms of meeting people's needs, especially where a particular type of dwelling is needed, such as an adapted dwelling or whatever the case may be. In addition, there are different sizes of dwelling depending on whether it is for an individual or a larger family whose needs have to be met.

It is true to say that every development we deliver would include units for those with disabilities. More and more often, units are designed specifically with families in mind where people are waiting to be allocated a home. That is happening.

The new trial of universal design is where real progress can be made in the future. I will bring in Mr. Lynch to discuss the pilot in Kells. The adage is that if we design for the old we include everybody. If the order of cost is about 6.4%, as seen in a trial, perhaps that is something we can do with the Department. We are all involved in that trial as a sector, including the Department and others. That is probably the future.

It is true to say that there is a lot happening. I appreciate every individual who is waiting for a suitable offer of accommodation may not feel like that. I will ask Mr. Lynch to come in on the pilot.