Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue and for offering me the opportunity to respond.

The Minister knows that there are many reasons why people seek residential supports. For some, it is by way of services to allow them remain in their own homes with family. For others, it is a residential service. The aim has been to facilitate living and inclusion in the community.

Increasing the provision of disability residential services is a key priority area for this Government and the HSE, and there has been significant investment in residential services over recent years. In July 2023, the Government approved the disability action plan in order to address capacity deficits which had been identified in the disability capacity review. From this, the action plan for disability services was developed, providing a multi-year framework for service expansion and strategic policy development with a view to maximising effectiveness and impact. The action plan has informed budget deliberations and the prioritisation of areas for development in the coming years. It is a living document which will be reviewed and updated in the light of priorities, policy considerations and the funding available under the current and subsequent budgets.

Unlike the position for capital expenditure, where multi-annual commitments are made within the national development plan, my Department is obliged to adhere to the public sector financial procedures, whereby Exchequer funding for current expenditure is allocated on an annual basis, following the annual budgetary process. As a result, it is not currently possible to enter into multi-annual funding agreements for disability residential services.

Although multi-annual funding is not available, the Minister wishes to reiterate that this Government is committed to providing support to people with disabilities and significant investment has been provided to specialist disability services, including a budget increase from €1.7 billion at the close of 2017 to over €3.2 billion in 2025. Supporting residential services accounts for approximately 60% of the total specialist community-based disability services budget.

Some €106 million in additional funding has been provided to residential services in budget 2025. This includes €78.68 million to meet the incremental cost of 2024 new developments and €27.9 million in new funding in respect of 2025. This funding also supports additional moves from nursing homes and decongregation to community settings. In recent years, the number of residential places delivered has exceeded what has been initially envisaged in the HSE national service plan. In 2024, 220 new residential places were delivered.

I see all the great work that is done out there. I know we need to do more but it is a commitment in the Government to work with all the different services.

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