Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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752. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if there are any plans to expand funding streams for activities for adults in nursing homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37939/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Ombudsman’s 2021 “Wasted Lives: Time for a Better Future for Younger People in Nursing Homes” report, highlighted the need to facilitate the transition of individuals under the age of 65, from Nursing Homes to community living and enhance the living conditions for those currently living in Nursing Homes.

The HSE is co-ordinating a programme of work to progressively address the review and implement the report’s recommendations for which the HSE has accountability.

Residents under the age of 65 in nursing homes are availing of supports including attendance at Day Services, community supports and various health and social care services and supports.

Additionally, in response to the 2021 report and to improve these resident’s quality of life, the HSE has implemented Enhanced Quality of Life supports for those who continue, for various reasons, to reside in nursing homes. These include Personal Assistance hours, specialist and therapeutic supports as well as the provision of wheelchairs and other personal devices. 154 individuals have received such supports from 2021 to date.

The Government is committed to supporting those under the age of 65, living in nursing homes and from 2021 to 2025, the Government provided funding of €21.4 million in support of this programme.

Work is ongoing in the HSE and in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, to improve the quality of life for those who continue to live in nursing homes.