Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 March 2023
47. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what supports he will put in place for people with disabilities facing eviction after the lifting of the eviction ban this week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15765/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has lead responsibility for housing matters. It leads on housing matters for all citizens, including people with disabilities. This is in line with the ‘mainstreaming first’ principle pursued by Government in respect of people with disabilities (Section 26 of the Disability Act 2005).
Furthermore, under Section 36 of the Disability Act 2005, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has express responsibility to prepare a sectoral plan which shall contain information concerning, among other things, “housing and accommodation for persons with disabilities ”.
The Deputy will be aware that from 1 March, 2023, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth assumed responsibility for Specialist Community-Based Disability Services. These services include residential placements for certain persons with disabilities who cannot be supported at home. There are over 8,000 such placements, and services are provided by a range of service providers including the HSE, Section 38, Section 39 and private for-profit organisations.
The HSE will monitor and oversee the provision of these placements as part of its ongoing monitoring and oversight of services with relevant service providers.
