Vulnerable groups

This week, Senator Pauline Tully (SF) raised three key issues in the Seanad, all centred on gaps in support systems for vulnerable groups in Ireland.

She highlighted the 'Before We Die' campaign, which represents elderly parents caring for adult children with intellectual disabilities. These parents fear what will happen when they are no longer able to provide care: "They are worried that there is no plan in place for accommodation for their children when the elderly parents pass away."

Sen Tully stressed that, despite commitments under Housing for All, co-ordination between local authorities and the HSE remains inadequate. While councils may be willing to provide housing, the absence of HSE-led care plans is blocking progress. She called for urgent government action to ensure people with disabilities can live independently rather than relying on ageing parents.

The Sinn Fein rep also addressed the shortfall in housing adaptation and mobility grants, particularly in counties like Cavan. Funding is currently prioritised for the most urgent cases, such as people needing adaptations to leave hospital, but this leaves many older homeowners without support for preventative repairs. She warned that delaying relatively minor works - like fixing roofs or windows - can lead to more serious deterioration and higher costs in the future. She urged increased funding and ministerial clarity to expand access to these grants.

Lastly, she focused on what she said was a lack of recognition and support for young carers. Referencing a recent conference and data from Family Carers Ireland, she noted that around 67,000 young people provide unpaid care in the home, often unaware they were entitled to support: "Many do not self identify as carers and do not realise they may be entitled to support. It is very important that we create awareness of this."

Sen Tully emphasised the impact on their education, social lives, and mental health, and called for greater awareness - particularly within schools - and targeted supports to ensure these young people are properly recognised and assisted.