Call for deinstitutionalisation plan for disabled people

Updated / Tuesday, 3 Nov 2026 00:01

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The National Advocacy Service (NAS) has called on the Government and the HSE to develop a new national deinstitutionalisation delivery plan.

It follows an examination by the NAS of the lived experiences and quality of life of disabled people who remain in institutional care.

Ireland made a commitment in 2011 to move away from congregated settings; however, a social policy paper issued by the advocacy service today says housing shortages, insufficient community supports, workforce challenges and competing political priorities have impeded progress.

In July this year, 1,889 people were living in disability-congregated registered settings, according to the report.

In addition, 1,128 younger disabled people under the age of 65 currently reside in nursing homes. 108 of them were supported by the National Advocacy Service last year.

The report says that people living in these institutions experience a near total loss of autonomy, limited personal control, and separation from the wider community.

NAS National Manager Joanne Condon pointed out that deinstitutionalisation is not a matter of moving people from one form of service to another.

"It must means supporting each person to build a life of their own choosing, with the support they need to exercise choice and control over their lives," she said.

"Every person should have the opportunity to live an ordinary life, with the same dignity, choice, belonging and opportunities as every other member of society."