FF secures progress on community living - O’Brien

Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the announcement that eight residents from HSE services in Daughters of Charity, St Rosalie’s, Portmarnock have been given the opportunity to move in to community living.

Earlier this week, €20million was released to enable people with a disability, currently living in institutions, to move to more appropriate accommodation in the community.

Commenting on the announcement, Deputy O’Brien said, “While it is just a start, I am relieved that the government has finally placed some much needed investment to support people with a disability to move to homes in the community. I would like to thank Deputy Finian McGrath for his support in working to secure this capital.

“Fianna Fáil is committed to ensuring real reforms in the health service that put patients at the heart of the system. My party and I have previously put forward a comprehensive set of proposals to facilitate disability inclusion, and I am glad that this government have duly taken note.

“This funding will allow people to live and flourish as a part of the community. My colleagues and I believe that independence is a vital component of every citizen’s life. Citizens living with disabilities must be given every opportunity to live an ordinary life in suitable, community based accommodation.

“Dignity and compassion must remain at the heart of reforming our health services. This government must continue to prioritise further capital funding to move more residents to community living and provide citizens living with disability, with the choice that they deserve,” concluded O’Brien.