Disability Issues
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-26
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Victor Boyhan (IND), Agricultural Panel

I thank the Minister of State and ask her to convey my thanks to the Minister, Deputy Foley, for the response.
Key to all of this is, of course, the local authority and, as the Minister of State said, the housing development action plans. I do not know where they are, and if they are just about to start; it is pretty new. It would be interesting to keep an eye on that and let us all look at it again. Independent living, independent dignity, respect for the individual to make choices around their needs, accommodation, etc., are very important, and key to all of that is their being placed at the centre and heart of our communities, and to be supported in it all.
Clearly, the Minister of State's response emphasises the importance of ensuring we continue to support people with disabilities to live meaningful and fulfilling lives through their choices, direction and chosen pathways, with a person-centred approach across the services, tapping into the multi-community services.
Finally, I acknowledge that significant levels of funding will be required to roll this out over a period. It is not going to happen today or tomorrow, and that is a key ask. I ask the Minister of State to take back to the Minister my desire, and I am sure everyone's desire, that this be kept in focus as we run into the budget. This area needs resources and funding.
I thank the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy Foley, for their comprehensive response.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-26/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:59+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-26