Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this issue. I know MS Ireland has been campaigning on it for a long time. I apologise for the misprint in the date on the written version of my reply that has been circulated.

The implementation framework for the neuro-rehabilitation strategy was launched in February 2019. It provides guidance for the development of specialist neuro-rehabilitation services across the continuum of care - from acute to post-acute and community services. Neuro-rehabilitation services play a critical role in supporting recovery of those with neurological conditions or maximising their ability, or both.

The HSE is aware from its mapping exercises that there is a dearth of neuro-rehabilitation services at both inpatient and community levels. The plan to address this is described within the implementation framework, referenced by the Senator, for the neuro-rehabilitation strategy. It outlines a ten-step approach that will see each CHO introducing a local implementation team to oversee and guide the implementation process. It also describes a managed clinical rehabilitation network demonstrator project which is currently progressing through the development of post-acute and community neuro-rehabilitation services across CHO 6 and CHO 7. The funding provides for five whole-time equivalents in each team, consisting of senior physiotherapist, senior occupational therapist, senior speech and language therapist, senior clinical psychology and administrative staff. The introduction of the first managed clinical rehabilitation network is hoped to be an exemplar for the national roll-out of the neuro-rehabilitation strategy.

The Senator's question relates to CHO 7 specifically. As outlined, it is one of the two areas included in the demonstrator project. The HSE advises that it is currently working on a governance model for this team and expects to commence recruitment immediately. I am also informed by the HSE that a location for the community neuro-rehabilitation team has been agreed in CHO 7. This team will be based at Peamount Healthcare.

I assure the Senator that the Minister of State with responsibility for disabilities is totally committed to the implementation of the neuro-rehabilitation strategy and is very aware of its importance for people with neurological conditions. The Senator has spoken to the Minister for Health and he has given her assurances similar to those put forward in this reply. It is welcome news that we are making progress in this regard.