NUIG Research

“Commissioned by ÁT and carried out by the Centre for Disability Law and Policy at NUI Galway, this report presents an
evaluation of the experience, the costs and the benefits, both in monetary and social terms, of the Direct Payments
model of individualised funding that is facilitated and supported by Áiseanna Tacaíochta (ÁT) and how this model,
where the individual directs their own services, compares to the traditional dedicated service provision model.”

View full report below:

INDEPENDENT LIVING An Evaluation of the ÁT Model of Direct Payments

Findings of the research project ‘Evaluation of the Áiseanna Tacaíochta model of Direct Payments:

“For people with disabilities to live independently, having control is crucial. This report highlights the benefits, including choice, control, flexibility and empowerment, of the Direct Payments model and shines a positive light on this model of individualised funding at a time when Ireland is in a state of transition, having just ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”– Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“This report comes timely just before Ireland will ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In our General Comment No 5 the CRPD Committee has emphasized that direct payment is key to realizing the human right to independent living. This excellent evaluation of AT Model of direct payments will help the Irish government to fulfill its duties under Art. 19 CRPD.” – Theresia Degener, Chair of the committee on the UNCRPD.