Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Martin Ferris and Danny Healy-Rae for raising this issue. I have also been speaking to a number of their colleagues about this matter, including Danny's brother Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, in the last 24 hours. It is important when dealing with this issue to look at the facts and at what is happening on the ground. Of course, I will always listen to public representatives and to the concerns of parents.

In June 2011 the report, Time to Move on from Congregated Settings - A Strategy for Community Inclusion was published by the HSE. The report identified that approximately 4000 individuals with disabilities were living in congregated settings, defined as where ten or more people reside in a single living unit or are campus based. It found, notwithstanding the commitment and initiative of dedicated staff and management, that there was a significant number of individuals still experiencing institutional living conditions where they lacked basic privacy and dignity and lived their lives apart from any community and family.

St. John of God service in Kerry has been identified as one of the priority sites for de-congregation. The HSE is committed to working with St. John of God services and the families to transition 17 residents in ward-style accommodation from the current unsuitable accommodation on campus to more appropriate settings in the local community. The HSE has put in place comprehensive transition plans which include extensive engagement with the individuals themselves, their families, carers and advocates, as well as the service provider, to ensure

In May 2014 all families received correspondence from St. John of God services advising them that a development committee was being set up to explore with service users and their families the community options available within the county and to plan a strategy for future housing requirements. Reassurance was given to families that individual plans would be made in conjunction with each person and their family. In April 2015 at the regular family forum meeting an overview of the HIQA regulations and an update on de-congregation was provided. Throughout 2015 and 2016, the primary focus of St. John of God Kerry services has been on addressing the high risk areas of the HIQA action plan and in particular the issues relating to fire safety. There was significant consultation with residents and their families while this work was undertaken as some residents were temporarily relocated while

On 18 September 2016, a family forum meeting took place at which the HIQA inspections and de-congregation were discussed again. Concerns were raised and many family members were worried that their relative would not be suitable for community living. It was agreed that a family representative group would be set up and a meeting with the senior management of St. John of God Kerry services would be scheduled. In total, 78 people currently residing on the Beaufort campus will ultimately be supported over a number of years to move to more suitable accommodation in the community, depending on available funding and on sourcing suitable houses in the community.

Earlier this year, I announced that we are providing €100 million in capital funding from now until 2021 to ensure that people are able to move out of congregated settings and into their own homes in the community. I want to emphasise that the appropriate supports and resources are being put in place to ensure that people are supported as they move out of residential centres. I want to assure any concerned residents or family members that the process of moving a person with disabilities out of a congregated setting is not something that happens overnight. This process of moving people to more suitable accommodation in the community will take place over a number of years and will be done in full consultation with all residents and their families.

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