Disability Matters Committee to discuss planning for inclusive communities with representatives from the County and City Management Association and the HSE

The following representatives are due to appear:

Representatives from County and City Management Association (CCMA), AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive, Fingal County Council, Michael Rainey, Planning Director of Service Carlow County Council
Representatives from County and City Management Association (CCMA), Barry Lynch, Housing Director of Service Meath County Council & Liam Hanrahan, Economic Development and Planning Director of Service Galway County Council
Representatives from Health Service Executive (HSE) , Bernard O’Regan, Head of Operations, Disability Services, Brian J Higgins, Head of Healthcare Strategy – Disability and Mental Health Services & Anne Ennis, General Manager, De-congregation Programme

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Moynihan said: “We look forward to resuming our discussion on planning for inclusive communities.
Article 19 of the UNCRPD states that all individuals have the right to live independently and be included in the community. It is an equal right of all persons to live in the community and have choices equal to others."

“Recent figures from the HSE show that some 1,532 people remained in congregated settings by year end 2023. It is clear that more needs to be done to support the needs of those transitioning from congregated settings alongside those inappropriately placed in nursing homes in order to ensure we meet our requirements under the UNCRPD.”

"Local Authorities and the HSE have a key role to work together to plan and deliver on housing targets for disabled people in the community (including de-congregation) in line with the Disability Services Action Plan."

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