Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator for his question and warmly welcome the family who are here today to keep the campaign going for what is a very good cause. The An Saol Foundation does really great work. I thank Senator McCarthy for raising this very important issue and for offering me the opportunity to respond on behalf of the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Deputy Foley. Unfortunately, she is in the Dáil Chamber as we speak and could not be here. I am here on her behalf.

In budget 2025, €27 million was allocated for capital projects for disability services. I realise that the crux of the Senator's question is the capital spend. This represents an increase of €4 million on 2024. Under the transfer of functions agreement and in line with the national development plan, this is due to grow to €29.2 million in 2026. This is a significant achievement and reflects the Government's strong commitment to supporting people with disabilities, as set out in the 2025 programme for Government. It also signals our determination to realise the full ambition of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Investment alone is not enough, but it is the foundation for progress. The disability action plan has ambitious three-year targets for increasing residential placement capacity, accelerating the rate of decongregation, and providing new day service places. While meeting these targets will be dependent on increasing staffing complements within services, providing the necessary capital infrastructure will be of importance also. Independent living and housing will be a major feature of the next national disability strategy. It must be noted that continued cross-Government engagement will be a critical component of the success of this campaign. A senior and dedicated lead within the HSE has been appointed to lead the development of a multi-annual infrastructural strategy for the disability sector and to ensure that there is a strategic, directed growth in investment and the delivery of capital projects.

The An Saol Foundation was established by the family the Cathaoirleach kindly welcomed, and it is lovely to see Pádraig and Reinhard Schäler. I thank them for being here. The HSE capital and estates section is engaging with An Saol Foundation at a local level in order to assist in progressing the latter's capital project proposal. The HSE has advised me that progress is being made on securing a site for the proposed project and an application for planning permission has been lodged. The HSE has prioritised funding for the site purchase and initial design costs, allocating almost €1.3 million through the capital allocation process. Subject to the timely receipt of all required documentation, the HSE anticipates this project will continue to progress smoothly through the necessary stages of approval and development. The HSE is working with An Saol to advise on the requirements that need to be met at each step of the process. I realise that, for those on the ground driving these projects, that process can be slow and arduous, but these types of community group and charity projects that engage with the HSE are the most fruitful of all, having a targeted approach and being the eyes and ears on the ground as to the types of service needed. While patience is required, determination always wins out. I commend the Schäler family on theirs.

The necessary stages include progressing the project through the approvals process for both the property acquisition and the capital funding. It is important to note all new capital projects are subject to the national HSE approval processes, which in turn are informed by the Government’s national infrastructure guidelines. Projects are also subject to prioritisation within available resources.

A clinical evaluation of the service provided by the An Saol Foundation was undertaken in February 2023. A review and recommendations report was subsequently published by the clinical lead for disability and the national clinical programme for people with disability, in the HSE. The review made 12 strategic recommendations to guide the development and expansion of services. The Senator referred to these. Since the publication of the report, meaningful progress has been made on many of the recommendations. The Senator will be able to say whether that progress has been meaningful when I conclude. A clinical advisory committee has now been established to support the clinical team and contribute to broader clinical governance.

The development of more objective and measurable admissions and review criteria has commenced. Regular assessments involving clients and their families have been introduced. In addition, a stakeholder working group has been set up to drive progress. An Saol has also deepened its partnerships with international academic institutions and centres of excellence while exploring collaboration opportunities with other brain injury services.

While some actions remain contingent on funding, such as expanding multidisciplinary services and formalising links with community health structures, the foundation has continued to progress implementation within existing resources. The bell means I must conclude, and the Senator may wish to respond.