Inclusion Ireland Calls for End to “Emergency Mode” in Housing and Independent Living for People with Intellectual Disabilities    

 

17th February 2026 

 

Inclusion Ireland is calling on the Government to move from budget commitments to urgent delivery, warning that a lack of proactive planning has left housing and independent living support for people with an intellectual disability in ” emergency mode.” 

 

Despite significant investment in Budget 2026, people with intellectual disabilities and their families continue to face a “planning gap” that often results in expensive, for-profit emergency placements far from their communities when a crisis inevitably hits.  Better and earlier planning with people would have helped avoid these crisis situations.  

 

Independent living is a right under Article 19 of the UNCRPD, and that “choice” must be at the heart of the system – whether it is living independently, personalised budgets, supported living, or residential care that matches the person’s wishes. 

 

Data from Inclusion Ireland’s 1,000 Voices survey reveals a stark reality: while 53% of adults with intellectual disabilities identify “getting a home of my own” as a top concern, only 10% have both the wish and a concrete plan to move. Furthermore, 43% of families report they do not have the information necessary to plan for the future. 

 

Tomás Murphy, Co-Chair of the Board of Inclusion Ireland, said: 

 

“We know that many of our members at Inclusion Ireland do not have a proper plan for their future. This is leading to a lot of stress and concern. It should be more straightforward to apply for housing and the support to live in that house. Right now, people don’t have clear information and they are worried about their futures.” 

 

The urgency is underscored by the aging profile of families. Estimates indicate that approximately 1,500 adults with intellectual disabilities are living with parents over the age of 70, with 450 cared for by parents over 80.  

 

“The most humane, rights-compliant, and economical approach is to plan with people well in advance, all it would take is forward thinking. These individuals are already known to the system through schools and HSE services. They should not be invisible until a crisis occurs.” – Derval McDonagh, CEO, Inclusion Ireland 

 

While the Government has made commitments via the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030, Inclusion Ireland highlights that progress is currently hindered by a lack of joined-up delivery between the Department of Housing, the HSE, and local authorities. 

 

Inclusion Ireland’s Priority Actions for Reform: 

• Establish a National Future Planning Pathway Standard: A “one-stop-shop” in every county to provide clear information and a named local coordinator for people and their families.   It should be straight forward for people to apply for housing and the support to live in that house. Right now, the system is fragmented and unclear.   

• Strengthen Data Collection: Implementing a common data standard to measure need and track outcomes and delivery. 

 

• Adopt a ‘Community-First’ Delivery Rule: Ensuring new investment expands community-based housing and supported living, broadening the choices available to people.  

 

The key point is choice. People with intellectual disabilities should get the type of home and support that is right for them. Services should be person-centred, support decision-making, and help people stay connected to their communities.  

 

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