Cheshire Ireland speaks out on RTE Prime Time Report

“HSE warns of risk to nursing home exit plan for under-65s”

Cheshire Ireland has direct, on-the-ground experience of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities residing in inappropriate congregated settings, including nursing homes. We have supported people under the age of 65 to transition from such environments to more suitable community-based living arrangements.

Despite longstanding recognition of this issue, the figure of 1227 individuals in these settings has remained unchanged for over four years. This stagnation highlights a systemic failure to uphold the rights of people with disabilities to live in their own homes or in appropriate community settings.

Cheshire Ireland has prioritised this issue in our Pre-Budget Submission and our Strategy 2024-2029.

Urgent action, clear accountability, and targeted investment are required to implement the recommendations of the Wasted Lives report and ensure these individuals are afforded the dignity and autonomy they deserve.