Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
622. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of additional residential spaces for adults with intellectual disabilities that were provided for in Budget 2026; the total funding dedicated to providing these spaces; the projected cost of each additional residential space in 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47363/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of April 2026, 9,031 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 over 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. Engagement is also ongoing to improve the process for service users and families to access these residential services.
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.
€65million has been allocated to Disability Residential Services in 2026 for new developments, which includes €40million of funding that will provide in the region of 199 new residential responses.
This includes 152 newly created residential placements consisting of 72 planned placements and 80 (Priority 1) new placements to meet urgent need, as outlined in the HSE’s National Service Plan for 2026. 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 2026 National Service Plan includes details of a move towards a more planned and responsive system of service provision with progress reflected in key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure transparency and accountability in meeting service needs. The planned places provided in 2026 will be able to respond to residential needs demonstrated on the HSE’s DSMAT profiling tool.
The remaining €25million consists of:
• €6million to support 40 residential packages for children in care with complex needs, in coordination with Tusla.
• €6million to enhance 38 existing residential placements for individuals whose support needs have increased.
• €3million to support the transition of 58 people from congregated settings to more appropriate homes in the community.
• €10million to further support the HSE's U65s programme which relates to people under the age of 65, currently living in Nursing Homes. This includes €8million to support 45 transitions to more appropriate settings, and €2million to enhance quality of life for those remaining in nursing homes.
In relation to the average projected cost of new placements in 2027 and future funding requirements, the Department will engage closely with the HSE on these matters as part of the Estimates process, which takes place annually.
Engagement will take place between the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and the Health Service Executive (HSE) later this year in respect of funding for 2027.
