Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 19 June 2024

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters

Rights-Based Approach to Day Services (Resumed): Discussion

5:30 pm

Ms Liz Reynolds:

I would characterise that as we are unable to meet the current level and future level of demand. That is something we have highlighted on many occasions. We need not only a responsive funding model to meet the emergency placements and planned places but also appropriate accommodation.

If individuals are in their 70s and caring for adult children, one can assume that, in many cases, those adult children will be in their 40s or 50s. They can have unique needs as regards a residential place. They may need ground-floor accommodation or accommodation that is wheelchair accessible. There may be behaviours that mean the individual can only live with one other person. It is very individualised. We operate with great demand and high expectations and we are struggling to meet current demand. I do not know if that answers the Senator's question.