Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

This matter relates to whether the number of beds and facilities at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin, can be extended and expanded. I recently received a query from the family of a constituent, which brought home the fact a person's life can be changed in a few minutes. The gentleman in question was working on a gas mains and had excavated a large hole in the road around which were bollards. An elderly lady lost control of her car and landed on top of him. He is now seriously ill in hospital and his family are keen to have him moved to the National Rehabilitation Hospital. When I made a representation on their behalf, I was horrified to discover there is a three to six month waiting list for the hospital. This man has two young children and the situation is extremely traumatic for them.

Previously, a constituent of mine in his mid-forties had a bad stroke. We went through the same procedure trying to get him into the rehabilitation hospital. Without casting aspersions on the hospitals these men were already in, their families were keen to have them moved to the rehabilitation hospital as it has an excellent record in dealing with patients with their needs. The Minister should take this opportunity to outline the Government's plans, if any, to expand the service which must be crying out for extra resources. I look forward to the Minister's reply.