Disability Matters Committee to discuss inadequate personal assistance supports with representatives from the HSE, ESRI and Independent Living Movement Ireland

The following representatives are due to appear:

Representatives from The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), Dr Selina McCoy, Associate Research Professor in Social Research and joint education research coordinator & Dr Eamonn Carroll, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Representatives from Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI), Damien Walshe, Chief Executive Officer, Des Kenny, Chairperson & Shelly Gaynor, Peer Mentor
Representatives from Health Service Executive (HSE) , Yvonne O’Neill, National Director, Community Operations, Bernard O’Regan, Head of Operations, Disability Services & Olive Hanley, Disability Services in Dublin North City and County

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Moynihan said: “Personal assistance services help to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives.”

“A key part of acquiring personal assistance supports is the full involvement of the individual in planning and agreeing the type of, and the times when, support is provided to them. This aligns with the UNCPRD which emphasises the right of people with disabilities to self determination and playing an active role in decisions that affect their life.”

“The Ombudsman’s 2021 report Wasted Lives highlighted the lack of consistency in how people access personal assistance services and this issue was further compounded by the pandemic.”

“We look forward to receiving an update from the HSE on its plans around providing better access to personal assistance supports and from the ESRI and Independent Living Moving Ireland on other related matters.”

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.