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

I thank the Senator again for raising this important issue. The 2019 service plan will be finalised in the coming weeks. I know that from my own portfolio of disabilities so the answer to the Senator's first question is that it will be in a matter of weeks.

The second point the Senator raised was a very important one. We need to make improvements in the stroke services and I will bring that point back to the Minister. This service works and we have seen it work. The Senator knows that from her previous work as a health professional and I know it from talking to staff, doctors and patients in Beaumont Hospital. The hospital is only a few hundred yards from my home, so I know exactly what the Senator is talking about. We need to expand the services and I am committed to that. The Government is committed to supporting the hospital to develop its services in the future. This commitment is recognised in the programme for Government and the partnership plan.

Beaumont Hospital has a reputation for the delivery of high quality and safe care for its patients. The development of the thrombectomy service will support the delivery of key services to patients served by Beaumont Hospital. I will make this a priority issue and report back to the Minister. I will also keep an eye on it for the HSE 2019 service plan.