People with disabilities face worst side of the housing crisis

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Housing, Darragh O’Brien TD, has highlighted the difficulty faced by those with disabilities, who often spend longer on social housing lists given the unique requirements needed to meet their housing needs.
 
Raising the matter at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning, Local Government the Dublin Fingal TD has called for the government to show more respect to those applying for housing who have complex accommodation needs.  
 
He explained, “The housing crisis is affecting every community across the country. The difficulties faced by those on social housing waiting lists are amplified if an applicant has a disability. It is evident, from people who have contacted me, that if you inform the local authority of a disability which requires a house with adaptions waiting times will be longer.
 
“I know this is distressing for elderly parents of adult children with disabilities. They want peace of mind that suitable and adequate housing is secured for their children, but they are subjected to long waiting times.
 
“I know of one lady in North Dublin who has had to live in a nursing home for eight years, in her forties while working, all because her local authority could not provide suitable housing for her needs.  
 
“Individuals with disabilities or complex needs are an afterthought for the current government. This has to change.
 
“Whenever the government start to take the housing crisis seriously they should ensure housing for people with disabilities is an integral role in the solution,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.