Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The improvements are tiny in comparison with the need identified. It is shameful. When one looks at the return from being smart and helping people to rehabilitate in order that they can play a more active and, possibly, complete role in society, it is mind-blowing that our ambition is so limited. It is not just about counting the cost of appointing specialists; it is also about outcomes and the roles people can play. We talk about the provision of high dependency beds in the National Rehabilitation Hospital; there are only three such beds. We are keeping people in acute hospitals when they could move to rehabilitation centres. It is so short-sighted. Money is also being cut in the not-for-profit sector in which there is voluntary support. Therefore, people are being hit on the double. There is a need to revisit this issue. It is about working in a smarter way and taking a longer view. Too little has been done.

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