Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is exactly what will happen. In the programme for Government, the 2016 national service plan includes the rehabilitation strategy and integrated care programme. On particular plans over the coming months, the 2016 capital plan includes the progressing of this National Rehabilitation Hospital. There are also actions to implement the rehabilitation strategy and the integrated care programme. For example, each community health care organisation is to review the draft implementation plan. Second, they will amend implementation plans following feedback as appropriate. Third, each community health care organisation is to map existing services and identify deficits. Finally, each community health care organisation will identify reconfiguration of staff to prepare a plan for implementation of the strategy.

I will go back to the Minister on this matter. There are no particular dates but there is a plan for 2016 to get on and build the hospital. As stated, I find it unacceptable that people in this particular situation are in hospitals. Deputy O'Reilly makes the valid point that their occupying of a bed takes it from someone else who needs it. I will go back to the senior Minister, Deputy Harris, and put on the record my concerns about implementing the actions that are committed to in the programme for Government. We need to do our best to support these people. There are 25,000 of them out there. We have a direct plan to put in a 120 bed unit as a start and we have to roll out other services as well to assist these people. We need action and I will demand it from the Minister.

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