Disability Matters: Statements (Resumed)
Seanad Éireann — 2026-04-22
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Emer Higgins (FG), Dublin Mid-West

-----to get those changes into county development plans. That would be really helpful. I acknowledge the good work that is happening there. That kind of forward planning will help the situation that Senator Nelson Murray spoke about where we are talking about retrospectively upgrading homes from an accessibility perspective and housing adaptation grants. That will get us into a situation where we are more futureproofing homes. That is really positive.
I thank Senator Nelson Murray for her feedback in relation to the VAT. Someone - possibly the same Senator - said that to me last week as well. It is something that I have made inquiries on ahead of the budget. The thresholds and accessibility are something that I will continue to work on across Departments.
Respite has a role to play when it comes to supporting families where an individual may eventually end up in residential care. Respite is an intervention that can help. Senator Kennelly said that very clearly. I am glad to hear that there will be a senior leader visit at the respite centre. I hope that is a success. I thank Councillor Teddy O'Sullivan Casey that the Senator works with. His wife is a great advocate, too.
Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about Down's syndrome children. Actually, I cannot remember if it was children or young adults.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-04-22/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:50+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-22