Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

103. To ask the Minister for Health the status on the implementation of the congregated settings report; the measures being put in place to support persons when they leave residential institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38018/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for Partnership Government commits to moving people with disabilities out of congregated settings, to facilitate them in living more independently and to be included in their community. Currently, 2649 people live in congregated settings and the objective is to reduce this figure by one-third by 2021 and ultimately, to eliminate all congregated settings. It is anticipated that 97 people will have completed their move to the community during 2016, with a further 63 ready to move early in 2017. A similar additional number of people will be supported to move throughout 2017.

A subgroup, under theTransforming Lives Programme is developing an implementation plan for moving people from institutions in accordance with the recommendations of the Time to Move on from Congregated Settings report. The needs and wishes of people moving from congregated settings will be prioritised during this process with a model of support based on a person centred plan.

I wish to emphasise that appropriate plans and resources are being put in place to ensure that people are properly supported as they move out of institutional care. Earlier this year, I announced the provision of €100 million in capital funding between now and 2021 to provide more appropriate homes for people currently living in a number of institutions. Further supports are provided by a Service Reform Fund involving the Department of Health, the Atlantic Philanthropies, the HSE and Genio.

Separately, the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government has provided €10 million under the Capital Assistance Scheme for people transitioning from institutions in 2016, benefitting an estimated further 100 people. €1 million in ring-fenced funding is also being made available by that Department in 2016 to support people moving from institutions into suitable social housing. This demonstrates the joined up commitment of both Departments to support the de-congregation programme.

This process of moving people to more suitable accommodation in the community will take place over a number of years and will be done in full consultation with all residents and their families.