Finian McGrath rejects pleas to keep facility for disabled people open

Moving an adult with an intellectual disability out of congregated settings “works for the vast majority of people” says minister of state with responsibility for disability, Finian McGrath, who added he is very much committed to the policy.

He was speaking after a tour of a 76-bed-facility near Killarney, Co Kerry, where a high-profile campaign has been running to keep it open. However, Mr McGrath has rejected the call.

Some counties are ahead of the curve and all of their persons with intellectual disability are in small settings which give people more independence and more freedom — while still having the necessary support structure, Mr McGrath said.