New residential spots for those with disabilities paused

New residential placements for those with disabilities paused for rest of year

Updated / Thursday, 5 Nov 2026 18:56

There will be no new residential placements for people with disabilities for the rest of the year where new funding is required, according to an internal HSE memo seen by RTÉ News.

There are approximately 2,000 children and adults with disabilities waiting for residential care places.

Tony Murray, founder of the Before We Die Campaign, whose daughter Aoife has an intellectual disability, said he is concerned about how this could impact his family.

He said: "It is devastating news because effectively it takes any hope away from me and my wife Susan for a care package for Aoife.

"So effectively what it means that even in an emergency there is nothing for Aoife and that is a frightening thought for every parent."

In an internal memo to HSE regional managers, Chief Executive Anne O'Connor said recent reviews had identified instances where residential placements and increases in support packages had progressed without the required approval processes being completed.

The memo states that 182 residential placements had been commissioned nationally so far this year.

It said the level of activity, along with the ongoing financial commitments associated with the placements, requires the immediate introduction of additional financial controls.

Under the directive, no further residential placements or enhancements requiring new or additional funding can be approved for the remainder of the year.

The restriction includes planned placements, Priority 1 placements and enhancements to existing residential supports.

The HSE said in a statement that it acknowledged the growing demand for disability services and is committed to increasing services and capacity.

Regional managers have also been instructed to develop contingency plans setting out how they will manage and reduce risks for people awaiting residential disability services.

The plans were required to be submitted to the HSE Chief Executive's office by 15 October.

Regions have been told to make maximum use of existing funded capacity, including vacant places, the reallocation of resources and alternative service arrangements.

They must also review all residential placements commenced during 2026 to ensure the associated expenditure and ongoing costs are accurately recorded.

The HSE said it currently funds over 9,000 residential placements.

It said that places are allocated based on assessed need as vacancies arise and according to new service development funding, demand for residential supports continues to exceed capacity.

CEO of Inclusion Ireland Derval McDonogh has called for clarity from the HSE.

She said: "So what people and their families need right now is reassurance that they will be supported between now and Christmas, budget or no budget, we need better planning for people and people's rights to housing fully respected and realised."