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

As I set out earlier, the HSE recognises the value of the Acquired Brain Injury Ireland service to those with acquired brain injury, ABI. That is the first point. Further increases in funding can only be considered within the parameters and scope of funding available to the HSE. That debate is now going on. As the Deputy correctly said, ABII received €12.6 million in funding from the HSE. The Deputy put forward a number of proposals. I take his point and accept his argument on the stability of funding because I am aware, from working with ABII, that that is an issue.

I agree 100% with the Deputy's point on timely interventions. The quicker people can come through the fantastic service the organisation has and back into the workforce, the better. It is making a contribution to society. Those are the points that I will be making on the HSE service plan.

ABII is also represented on the neuro-rehabilitation national steering group through the executive director of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland. It also has a seat on the working group tasked with developing the implementation framework and on the managed clinical rehabilitation network demonstrator working group. It is in those key positions.

I am informed by the HSE that work is continuing on progressing a number of key areas that will underpin the success and evaluation of a managed clinical rehabilitation network. The executive's national service plan, which will set out the detail of the level of service and supports that will be provided in 2020, is currently being agreed.

I absolutely take on board the issue. If we come at it from both sides, the Deputy's side where they have representatives on the steering groups and my side, we can see if we can push out, so to speak, the valid request for an increase in neuro-rehabilitation. As far as I am concerned, ABI Ireland makes a significant contribution to the country. As Minister of State with responsibility for disabilities, I am convinced when I see many people who had a disability all of a sudden back in their work, using their ability, making a contribution and paying taxes such as PAYE. That is positive. It is also a good long-term health policy.

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