1,349 people under 65 are living in nursing homes, according to Freedom of Information figures obtained by Newstalk.
This cost the state nearly 62 million euro last year - or an average of almost 900 euro for each resident every week.
The HSE says young adults with disabilities are only accommodated in nursing homes where there are no alternatives.
Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte, says the new figures are very worrying.
Sarah Lennon from Sage Advocacy joined Shane Beatty on Breakfast Briefing:
