Ireland's approach to health and social care policy and practice for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Abstract

Irish health and social care policy has undergone a significant evolution in recent years to address inequalities, improve standards and update models of care to incorporate a rights-based approach. The following account describes the Irish health and social care system, as delivered in the Republic of Ireland, and details how it operates for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The paper is informed by government policy, legislation, reviews, national plans, parliamentary reports, and population data. Clear progress has been made in shifting from a service-led to a rights-based, service-user led model of care; however, resourcing this fundamental transition in approach to service provision poses challenges for the Irish State.