Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2017
146. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the implementation of the national neuro-rehabilitation strategy; if his attention has been drawn to an organisation's (details supplied) campaign and its call for specific investment of €7 million in 2018 to address the underfunding of neuro-rehabilitation services here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40842/17]
View answerThe Health Service Executive Social Care Division and the Health Service Executive Clinical Programme and Strategy Division are working in tandem to progress the implementation of the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-rehabilitation Services in Ireland. This is in line with the commitment to publish an implementation plan as outlined in the Programme for a Partnership Government and the commitment in the Health Service Executive National Service Plan 2017 and the Health Service Executive Social Care Operational Plan for 2017.
Given the level of feedback received by the Executive following a consultation process in 2016 in respect of the Implementation Framework, the Framework document needs to be enhanced and expanded by the HSE to ensure engagement of the whole health system, i.e. engagement across the acute hospital, post-acute and community levels of care. The Health Service Executive is committed to publishing a draft Implementation Plan before year end.
The enhanced Implementation Framework will be completed by members of the National Working Group and overseen by the National Steering Group. I am happy to inform the Deputy that the first meeting of the reconstituted National Steering Group was held on Tuesday 26 September 2017.
Full terms of reference for both the National Steering Group and the National Working Group are in development. The terms of reference will provide guidance on the roles and functions of the groups, to ensure that all members have clarity in terms of accountability and responsibilities.
Funding for the implementation of the Strategy will be considered by my Department in the context of the ongoing discussions with the HSE and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as part of the Estimates Process for Budget 2018.
