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

I thank Senator Swanick for raising this particular case, but also the broader issue because we have to deal with that issue when it comes to institutional settings.

I emphasis that we have been dealing with the particular case the Senator raised. Two of the advisers in my office have been on to the Housing Agency and Fingal County Council. They have also been working closely with Senator Dolan on this issue to secure a specific house that would become available. We will continue pushing that issue.

On the issue of those with disabilities having the right to live in their own settings and in their own homes, it is an important right. When I took over as Minister of State nearly two years ago, at one of the first institutions I visited I remember a young man in a wheelchair coming up to me who had been in an institution all his life. He was very disabled physically but, intellectually, there was not a bother on him. He said to me that he would love to have his own place, his own telly and have his meals when he wanted and do it on his own terms, not to be staying in an institution where he had set times and set menus. I get the message strongly.

We will keep following up on this issue.