Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2016
337. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of 17 November 2016, when he will make a decision regarding a new acquired brain injury unit in County Longford (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38551/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Partnership Government includes a commitment to publish "a plan for advancing neuro-rehabilitation services in the community". A National Steering Group, chaired by the Head of the Health Service Executive's (HSE's) Disability Reform Team, has completed an implementation framework in respect of the recommendations from the National Policy and Strategy for the Provision of Neuro-rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011 - 2015. The Group is currently considering feedback on the framework, which was circulated to wider stakeholder interest groups. The HSE intends to finalise and progress implementation of the framework for the Neuro-rehabilitation Strategy in 2017.
Under the Health Act 2004, the HSE is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. I understand that the HSE will consider proposals for specialised residential services for people with acquired brain injury, such as that referred to by the Deputy, in the broader context of the finalisation of the implementation framework and available resources.
