Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
411. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measurable targets and key performance indicators that are currently in place for the delivery of housing and care supports for people with intellectual disabilities; and whether timelines for delivery will be published. [31610/26]
View answerThe implementation structures established under the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 are central to ensuring independent living housing outcomes for disabled people. The provision of the housing for disabled people in conjunction with the care (health and social care) supports is the cornerstone of supporting independent living for disabled people. The Health Service Executive (HSE), under the auspices of the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality (in the case of physical, intellectual and sensory disability), and the Department of Health (in the case of mental health disability), is responsible for funding the provision of care support services by disability service providers.
The HSE’s National Planning and Performance Division via the Business Information Unit works in conjunction with Disability Managers and Service Provider Partners to collate, validate and present the HSE’s Performance Reports, which provide an overall analysis of key performance data from across the health system. The activity data reported is based on Performance Activity and Key Performance Indicators outlined in the National Service Plan and the HSE Operational Plans.
The HSE publishes Management Data Reports (MDR) on a monthly basis providing more detailed performance data for the full suite of Key Performance Indicators [KPIs], and Activity Targets contained in the NSP. Activity data in relation to the delivery of services to people with disabilities, including Residential Services, is available in these reports.
The National Ability Supports System (NASS), a national database managed by the Health Research Board (HRB), records information on HSE-funded disability services for planning and development. It covers individuals with intellectual, physical, sensory, or autism-related disabilities. Its main purpose is to gather data to plan, develop, and organise services for people with disabilities and in particular, records information on services required within 5 years. Reports are published annually and are available on the HRB website, www.hrb.ie.
Further matters related to the measurable targets and key performance indicators that are currently in place for the delivery of housing supports for people with intellectual disabilities are under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality, alongside the HSE, is continuing to work to increase provision in order to assist those who are most vulnerable in our society, and who urgently require services. Supports for people with disabilities include day services, respite services, residential services, home support and personal assistance.
As of February 2026, 8,927 specialist disability residential places are being delivered by approximately 90 service providers. Since 2020, additional funding provided to the HSE has supported the creation of almost a thousand additional residential places for people with disabilities. These placements largely support people moving from their family home to a residential service and are in addition to supporting transitions of people from congregated settings to the community and the movement of people under the age of 65 out of nursing homes and into more appropriate community based homes with supports.
Budget 2026 has provided approximately €3.9 billion in funding for Specialist Disability Services. Specialist disability residential services make up the largest part of the Disability funding disbursed by the HSE, almost 60% (€2.2bn) of the total budget.
€65m has been allocated to Disability Residential Services in 2026 for new developments, which includes €40m of funding that will provide in the region of 199 residential responses. This includes 152 newly created residential placements as outlined in the HSE’s National Service Plan for 2026, including 72 planned places and 80 places to meet urgent, unplanned need. Funding will also support new residents in existing placements that have become vacant and require enhancement and in limited circumstances, placements in nursing home settings.
The HSE’s Capital Plan 2026 (Building and Infrastructure) has been published and is available on the HSE website at www.about.hse.ie/news/hse-capital-plan-2026-building-and-infrastructure/.
Funded from the National Development Plan, it provides significant public investment in health infrastructure to meet current needs, to cater for anticipated population growth and to respond to the changing demographic profile in Ireland.
In respect of Disability Services, the HSE announced €43 million in capital investment in 2026. This represents a substantial increase of €16 million compared with 2025 and demonstrates the Government’s firm commitment to support and expand disability services. 2026 is the first of a five-year investment plan supported by €278 million in funding secured by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality through the National Development Plan.
The Capital Plan supports the vision of high quality, safe, accessible and sustainable healthcare, enabled by capital funding. It aligns with the strategic priorities of the Government and the Minister for Health, the Department of Health, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the HSE.
In the context of the increased investment in Disability Services in 2026, the HSE is examining a number of other disability projects which may be added to the Capital Plan during the year. In doing so, the HSE will take into account the need for regional balance and to ensure an appropriate blend across service areas. This is in addition to housing provision by the Local Authorities.
