Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The Department of Health and Children and the HSE are committed to developing a strategy for the future of rehabilitation services. A working group with broad representation from relevant stakeholders, including users of the services, is being established. The motion and the debate have raised the issue of neurology services. A review of these services has recently been completed and the final draft report of the review has been submitted to the director of the National Hospitals Office for consideration. The findings of the report will help to inform the approach taken by the HSE to the future development of these services.

In recognition of the need to develop these services, additional revenue funding was provided to the HSE. Some €3 million was provided in 2006 and a further €4 million in 2007 to support the continuing development of neurology and neurosurgery services. This funding has resulted in an increase in the number of consultant posts for these services throughout the country.

The HSE and agencies such as Headway, the Peter Bradley Foundation, the Irish Wheelchair Association and BRI are involved in providing services and support to people with acquired brain injury and their families. Ministers have met with these organisations and many families feel, and maybe rightly so, that they have had to fight hard to access appropriate services for their loved ones. A range of services are provided to people with acquired brain injury and their families by the HSE and the other agencies mentioned.

Two of the main service providers for people with an acquired brain injury are the Peter Bradley Foundation and Headway. With the help of the HSE they have developed a range of community-based services throughout the country including assisted living community residential services, community rehabilitation services, clinical support teams, rehabilitative training and occupational day services. BRI is a voluntary advocacy group for people with acquired brain injury whose focus has been on establishing support groups throughout Ireland.

The need for acquired brain injury specific services is acknowledged due to the highly individualised nature of the disability. The HSE has a greater awareness and is developing a more integrated multidisciplinary approach to acquired brain injury. It acknowledges the need for facilities that are appropriate for people with acquired brain injury.

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