Research on Personal Assistance Service in Ireland published today
December 2nd, 2022
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has published research on Personal Assistance Services in Ireland. It describes inconsistencies experienced by disabled people in accessing a PA service and its current limitations. You can view the full report here and a summary here.
Overall, the evidence shows satisfaction among many service users, but suggests that systemic shortfalls have a clearly detrimental effect on the functionings and capabilities valued by the participants in relation to their ability to participate in social and economic activities that many people take for granted. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into what good personal assistance means for disabled people’s everyday lives and what Irish PA service users want to see change in the system. Nearly three-quarters of those who took part in the survey indicate that the system needs reform. A total of 68 percent feel that establishing statutory/legal rights to PA would have a positive impact, while 64 percent agree there is a need to increase regulation of provision. Regarding the standard of service in Ireland, 65 percent of respondents indicated high standards, but 79 percent reported that they would like to see a minimum training level/qualification for PAs.
