I wish to thank the Deputy for raising this question, Residential services make up the largest part of the Disability funding disbursed by the HSE - 58% of the total budget. Approximately 90 service providers provide residential services to over 8,000 individuals throughout the country.These places were delivered predominantly by section 38 and section 39 organisations funded under the Health Act 2004.
It is important to note that residential capacity in the system can be reduced. When residents of congregated settings sadly pass away, their places are not re-utilised. This is in keeping with Government policy which is to move away from institutionalised settings (i.e. Time to Move On from Congregate Settings).
The information requested by the Deputy is tabled below.
Year
|
December 2020
|
December 2021
|
December 2022
|
2023 YTD (August)
|
Residential Places Available
|
8,139
|
8,146
|
8,283
|
8,343
|
Emergency Places Placements
|
86
|
91
|
103
|
96
|