Dr. Helen McMonagle:

I thank the Deputy for his questions, some of which relate to previous questions. I might pick up on the chronic underinvestment in rehabilitation, which is an area the Department could address. Specialist rehabilitation units are important but we also need to recognise that people will eventually move on from them. They will want to live in the community, live independently and reach their full potential. There needs to be a wider provision of personal assistant and home support hours in assisted living accommodation with wrap-around supports. I welcome the announcement from the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, yesterday of the additional 120,000 personal assistant hours as part of budget 2022. It is paramount that those with alcohol-related brain injuries are afforded accessibility to these additional resources. Without such support the long-term rehabilitation and the maintenance of gains made through any efforts or in specialist rehabilitation will not be sustained. That is an area we would look for support from the Department on. I also refer to the importance of the establishment of a multi-directorate national working group. Ministerial support around that would be crucial in driving that forward.