Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)

I thank the Minister of State for attending. I rise this afternoon to highlight a critical issue that requires immediate attention, namely, the urgent need for the Government to make a clear and committed statement regarding the funding for An Saol Foundation. I specifically refer to the need for capital funding to advance the Teach An Saol project in Ballymun and to fully implement the 12 recommendations made in the HSE's 2023 report. The An Saol Foundation was set up by Reinhard Schäler and Patricia O'Byrne for their son, Pádraig, who was a 22-year-old student cycling while on holiday in Cape Cod 13 years ago when he unfortunately had an accident and acquired severe brain injuries. Individuals like Pádraig are among the most vulnerable in our healthcare system. They often live with profound and complex requirements and impairments. They require ongoing specialised rehabilitation. The An Saol Foundation offers not just care, but a vision and a belief that those with catastrophic brain injuries can continue to live with dignity, autonomy and connection when the right supports are in place. I visited the foundation in Santry a couple of weeks ago and was fascinated by the families and the people who were there on the ground providing care. It is a fantastic set-up.

Teach An Saol, the capital project at the centre of this issue, would be a purpose-built centre in Ballymun offering residential, day care and community facilities. It is fully in line with international best practice and grounded in years of research, clinical experience and direct engagement with the families who use An Saol's services. It reflects a model of care that is person centred, community based and outcomes driven. That can be seen even in the current An Saol project. It is exactly what our health policy claims to support.

In 2023, as I have already mentioned, the HSE conducted a thorough review of An Saol's work and made 12 clear recommendations. These including reorganising An Saol as a core part of the neurorehabilitation pathway, providing sustainable operational funding and progressing the capital development of the An Saol project in Ballymun. More than a year later, we have had no clear statement from the Department outlining when these recommendations will be implemented. We must not allow this inaction to continue. I ask the Minister of State to confirm whether the Department will provide the necessary capital funding to progress Teach An Saol. The project speaks to the very core of what our healthcare system should be. It is not reactive but proactive. It is not only clinical; it is also compassionate. We often speak about inclusion, dignity and equal access to care in this House. An Saol embodies all of that. The values we have spoken about need to be backed up with action from ourselves and that action must be resourced. I urge the Minister of State to act and not only to fund this project, but to implement the core recommendations, to stand with those living with severe acquired brain injuries such as Pádraig and to support families such as Reinhard, Patricia and Pádraig's aunt, Marie, who are here today.