Adults with intellectual disabilities need more support from government, opposition says

Local opposition TDs have put pressure on the government to support adults with intellectual disabilities.

The Dáil debated a motion by the Social Democrats prior to the Dáil summer recess, and local TD Cian O’Callaghan was among those lobbying the government on improving services for adults with intellectual disabilities.

A regular topic of discussion for the Dublin Bay North TD during his Dáil contributions, O’Callaghan lent his weight to a Soc Dems motion on expanding rights for people in the community.

The motion, put forward by health spokesperson Liam Quaide, noted that “too many adults with an intellectual disability, and their families, are forced through a bureaucratic maze involving service providers, the HSE, local authorities and other public bodies.”

The party called for a streamlined, well-funded process for adults with intellectual disabilities, their carers, and their families.

The motion also noted “many families are left without a single public body taking clear responsibility for planning the person’s future living arrangement,” and called for greater steps to be taken to help adults with intellectual disabilities live independently.

In response to the motion, Minister Norma Foley stated that local authorities should play a bigger part in this specific context.

Minister Foley explained that in 2022, the government published a National Housing Strategy for Disabled People, which called for the establishment of specialist disability residential services in each county and local authority area by 2027.

“While some local authorities have been proactive in doing so, this important step ensures that for the first time, all local authorities will now be building housing for those with complex disabilities. This will deliver a significant increase in the number of appropriate homes for people who need them, with a much better geographical spread to ensure they can remain in and of their communities,” she explained.

Per O’Callaghan, the timeline was too vague, and adding local authorities to the mix was only a small piece of the puzzle.

“Are those targets going to meet all unmet needs? While local authorities have a role to play, all responsibility cannot be shifted onto them,” he said.

“There needs to be ring-fenced funding and a clear plan directed by the government. Without that, all we are going to be doing is making piecemeal progress.”

O’Callaghan noted he has done work with the Before We Die campaign on this issue, and has invoked them numerous times in Dáil discussions, and said the issue is a key one among his constituents.

“I have had the privilege of meeting families and parents of adults with intellectual disabilities in my constituency. They have shared their stories and experiences. Of course, they should not have to do that. They should not be put through that to get access to what are basic human rights.”

O’Callaghan relayed a segment on Newstalk earlier this year, where an elderly couple, struggling significantly with health issues, had concerns about what would happen to their son after they die.

“They were told by a very good day service that there were simply no places. They will, sadly, die sooner rather than later because they get zero respite and never get a chance to recoup their energy. They were told that their son could be put anywhere in the country.”

He noted “that is the experience of parents all over the country. When parents die, an adult with an intellectual disability, their family member whom they love and care for, is left stranded. At that time, the person with the intellectual disability loses their mum or dad, their carer and advocate, their home and community, and potentially their friends too, all at the same time. It is incredibly traumatic and distressing. It is cruel. There needs to be ring-fenced funding and a clear plan.”

A survey conducted by the Social Democrats asked people from all over Ireland to get in touch and share their experiences in dealing with the system (or lack thereof).

O’Callaghan noted “the parent, who is from Dublin, said that as an elderly parent, they are absolutely terrified about what will happen to their lovely son when they cannot care for him anymore. They do not want him put out to tender to the highest bidder like he is a job lot. He is, the parent said, a beautiful, loveable human who deserves better than this.”

Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan

Fellow Dublin Bay North TD Denise Mitchell weighed in on the debate, saying “many families in my constituency contacted me ahead of this debate.”

“Listening to their stories, it is clear they go above and beyond for their sons and daughters. Many of their sons and daughters have moderate, serious or profound intellectual disabilities. Some parents find it so difficult to find the time to campaign and advocate on this issue which is why it is up to everyone in here to do that on their behalf and address these issues head on.”

Mitchell noted that over 2,300 adults with intellectual disabilities are currently being cared for by a parent over 70 years of age. 

Mitchell said, “these parents are terrified about what will happen if they can no longer provide that care.”

The Sinn Féin TD noted, “one lady in my constituency contacted my office and told us how she is putting off a hip operation she badly needs. Why? It is because she is a lone parent caring for her daughter who has high support needs. She fears that while she is recovering, she simply will not be able to care for her daughter. These are the kinds of choices people are being forced to make. 

She asked, “it is a very simple question they are asking: who will care for my son or daughter if I am no longer able to do so?”

“That is why we need a one-stop-shop that can process and manage applications and link to the Departments of housing and disability, the local authorities, service providers and families.

People with disabilities have the right to live as independently as possible in their communities.”

“If we do not provide adequate residential and supported living options, we are denying these people their rights. The upcoming budget gives us a real opportunity to get this right. That means proper ring-fenced funding,” the Dublin Bay North TD said.

Sinn Féin TD Denise Mitchell