Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is one of the sections of the convention cited most often. It calls for "the equal right of all persons with disabilities to live in the community, with choices equal to others, and...[for] appropriate measures to facilitate full enjoyment by persons with disabilities of this right and their full inclusion and participation in the community,". These are all principles we agree with. However, as the work of the committee has made clear, this is a highly complex area and one on which we have such a long way to go. To enable people to exercise this right requires complex supports, suitable housing and interconnected physical and social facilities. The committee's report is only possible because of the individuals and groups who volunteer to share their experiences and insights with us. It is our role as public representatives to listen and to use this knowledge for better legislation and policy. I record my thanks to the secretariat, which does incredible work in the background, and made this report possible. I also thank the Chair, Deputy Michael Moynihan, and the Vice Chair, Deputy Tully.

Housing stands out as the first main issue impacting independent living. The report notes several interconnected systemic problems: the chronic shortage of social housing; high and increasing rents; a lack of universal design, inadequate housing adaptation grants; and poor support services. Inclusion Ireland explained that one of the biggest barriers faced by people with intellectual disabilities in accessing accessible social housing is the lack of availability of the support services that are required for them to live in their own home. This results in people being made homeless, being kept in their childhood home despite their capacity to live independently as adults or being forced into institutional care. We know the HSE's plan, Time to Move On from Congregated Settings, is moving much too slowly. Most pressing is the more than 1,300 people under 65 forced to live in nursing homes because the State will not support them in community settings.

There is a clear consensus on the need for universal design to be integrated into building regulations to make housing liveable for diverse needs and to future-proof our homes. The Irish Wheelchair Association outlined how Part M of the building regulations only requires housing to be visitable for a wheelchair, not liveable. Alison Harnett, chief executive of the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers points out that this is not only about housing specifically for people with disabilities, it is about having universally designed housing that is adaptable as people's needs change. It is about having housing that is usable for young parents with buggies, an elderly person who might have a walking mobility requirement and that is adaptable for people with disabilities. Inclusive design and policies benefit all of society. Design must also support non-visible needs. We heard about how people with autism should have homes that reflect their individual needs. There are other barriers, rarely highlighted, such as disabled people or those with chronic conditions being denied access to housing and mortgage protection insurance, making home ownership an impossibility.

Intersectionality is also important to fully appreciate this situation. A committee meeting marking International Women's Day last year showed how disabled women are often doubly discriminated against.

Maureen McGovern, a disability community activist, described struggling all her life "to live in a society that discriminates against me because of my impairment and gender, be it in education, training and employment, healthcare or in social, economic and cultural life." The UN highlights that girls and women of all ages with any form of disability are generally among the more vulnerable and marginalised of society. The National Women's Council of Ireland has noted that women with disabilities are more likely to experience violence, with 40% of disabled female students reporting having experienced rape, compared with 27% of non-disabled students. Responses to gender-based violence must appreciate this alarming situation.

Disabled women also experience barriers to accessing health screening services, resulting in a lower uptake of breast and cervical cancer screening. These can range from physical barriers to a lack of proper information. The Department of Health and the HSE need to take tailored approaches to these issues.

My final point relates to the significance of services for children. These services are especially important because they impact on an individual’s potential over his or her life. Delays in assessment, the lack of therapies and geographical lotteries are harmful to children's capacity to live independent lives. We need to have a frank and honest conversation about this. This week, we learned that more than 12,500 children with suspected disabilities are awaiting an assessment of need. This figure, provided by the Minister of State, amounts to 10,000 more than the HSE numbers. This is a scandalous situation. Children have the right to be seen by medical professionals and therapists in a timely manner and the right to education.

The optional protocol of the UNCRPD has still not been ratified and we still do not have a date. As a committee, we must redouble our efforts to push for action on this. We need consistency of services, fully staffed children’s disability network teams and the State to fulfil its obligations. This report is not the end of the process; it is a catalogue of the improvements and changes that are needed. It is up to the Government and the State to make these changes to provide these services and supports as soon as possible.

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