Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2026
198. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the 12 planned residential places announced by the Minister; the percentage prescribed to Section 39A providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35750/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality continues to engage with the HSE, to expand and develop residential services for people with disabilities. A number of actions are underway to move towards a more planned approach to providing residential care.
Approximately €3.9 billion of funding has been allocated to Specialist Disability Services in 2026. 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.
In addition to funding for existing residential placements, €65 million has been allocated to Disability Residential Services in 2026 for new developments, which includes €40 million of funding that will provide in the region of 199 new residential responses. This includes 152 newly created residential places including 72 planned places and 80 unplanned places to meet urgent need, as outlined in the HSE’s National Service Plan for 2026. This 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 2026 National Service Plan includes details of a move towards a more planned and responsive system of service provision to include the development of 72 new planned residential placements and progress reflected in key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure transparency and accountability in meeting service needs.
Work is underway in the HSE on building the capacity of Section 38 and 39 providers, to deliver more residential services. HSE regions are working collaboratively with voluntary service providers in each Integrated Healthcare Area to identify individuals with urgent need to ensure plans are in place before a crisis arises.
Additionally in 2026, with allocated funding, the HSE has begun work to establish Residential Placement Planning & Review Teams in each Regional Health Area. The aim of these teams will be to ensure that individuals are appropriately assessed in relation to support needs prior to placement in residential services and reviewed in a timely manner for duration of the placement in respect of quality of care and support needs.
