Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Mulherin for raising this important issue. I begin by emphasising the Government’s strong commitment to the provision of appropriate residential care to people with disabilities. Congregated settings are those defined as a residential setting where people live with ten or more people. Áras Attracta is an old style congregated setting and this Government is committed to working with residents to move them out of these types of settings and into independent community living. Institutional care is not in keeping with best practice and at its worst it breaches an individual’s basic human rights. International evidence also demonstrates that the outcomes for individuals are always better in the community. Key to this is personal choice. Individuals may choose to live on their own in an apartment-type residential setting, others may choose to live with a number of close friends and others with more significant needs may require homes that are purpose built. There cannot be a one size fits all approach. The level and configuration of the supports should meet the needs of individuals and support them to live a life of their choice.

At the end of December 2017, there were fewer than 2,400 people with a disability living in congregated settings. The HSE has prioritised the transition of 170 people in 2018 under its service plan. I understand that Áras Attracta has been identified as a priority case. All residents will move over the next few years to a home in the community and the Áras Attracta campus will close as a disability service. I am informed by the HSE that a number of houses throughout County Mayo have been purchased. These will be refurbished while there will also be some new properties built to suit residents' needs. The work on the first of these houses was completed and the first house opened in November 2017. Since then three more houses have opened with the fourth house expected to open next month. There are advanced plans to open a further six houses in 2018 with a further four planned next year.

The McCoy report published in 2016 highlighted a significant number of shortcomings in regard to residents’ safety, care and well-being. The HSE has put a large amount of time and resources into addressing these issues in the intervening years. In recent inspections of the campus, the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, has confirmed evidence of definite improvements, noting that the HSE has demonstrated a governance regime that will ensure quality and safety. Most importantly there is evidence of a transformation leading to an enhanced

quality of life for residents. Notwithstanding these important improvements to the safety and well-being of residents, it is still the case that international evidence demonstrates that the outcomes for individuals are always better in the community.

The HSE continues to work with registered housing bodies, Mayo County Council and other stakeholders to identify further accommodation to facilitate the decongregation of Áras Attracta. The HSE is working to ensure that the process of transitioning to appropriate living in the community is underpinned by meaningful engagement with residents, their families and key stakeholders.This engagement becomes more active when a home is identified for a resident. I am informed by the HSE that the resident mentioned by Senator Mulherin in her question will not be moving to a home in the community this year. All residents at Áras Attracta will move over the next few years to a new home in the community and the HSE is working with residents and their families throughout this process.