The housing crisis is having a disproportionate and acute impact on people living with disabilities, an Oireachtas committee will be told.
Representatives of the disability services sector will appear before politicians at the Committee on Disability Matters to discuss living arrangements for people with disabilities.
Director of Care at the Rehab Group Gráinne Fogarty will tell politicians that the housing crisis has resulted in access to appropriate housing and independent living supports for disabled people being significantly limited.
The Rehab Group provides support services and job opportunities for disabled people.
In her opening statement to the committee, Ms Fogarty will say that one of the most significant challenges relates to the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS).
She will highlight how previously, housing associations could access funding to purchase and adapt existing properties to meet individual needs.
However, CAS funding is now restricted to new-build developments, creating serious short-term barriers.
The CAS is a Government initiative which aims to provide up to 100% capital funding to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for the construction and acquisition of housing, including for people with disabilities.
Ms Fogarty will also draw attention to ongoing funding challenges for Section 39 providers delivering residential services.
She will say that the absence of annual inflationary funding increases has resulted in significant unfunded cost pressures.
Statutory pay increases, including additional bank holidays, further strain already-stretched budgets, she will add.
Ms Fogarty will also say that no funding has been provided for the February Bank Holiday since it was introduced four years ago.
"While progress has been made, significant systemic barriers remain. Access to appropriate housing must be addressed alongside the wider cost of disability, including additional living, health, and transport expenses," she will add.
CEO of disability service provider and AHB St Joseph's Foundation, Michael Hegarty, will call for the CAS to be expanded to include the development of dedicated respite housing.
He will tell politicians that including respite, housing within the CAS will provide the State with an opportunity to "move decisively from reaction to foresight".
"Respite sustains families. It extends independence. It stabilises care pathways. It protects public resources.
"Most importantly, it allows those we support to live fuller, safer and more autonomous lives within their communities, which must remain the central purpose of public policy," Mr Hegarty will say.
