Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State for being here. I am disappointed that the Minister for Health is not present to respond to my Commencement matter, which requests an update on funding from the Department of Health for Teach an Saol in Ballymun. I do not know if the Minister of State is familiar with the facility. It was born out of what could have been a terrible human tragedy. It is the result of what is arguably one of the most inspirational stories and life experiences I have had the privilege to become aware of and support for a number of years.

Reinhard Schäler and Patricia O'Byrne are neighbours of mine. Their son Pádraig was 22 years of age when he went to the United States on a J1 visa, as I did and as many young Irish people do. He went to Cape Cod and was knocked off his bicycle in a hit-and-run incident involving a truck. It is no exaggeration to say, although it pains me to do so, that he was left for dead. The only reason Pádraig is alive today is because of the love and dedication of his parents and family and the support, expertise, medical care and rehabilitation they have secured for and provided to him. What they have achieved represents the most inspirational story. In Santry, which is not in my constituency but that of Deputy Paul McAuliffe, they established Teach an Saol. Every day, people with severe acquired brain injury are supported there to live their lives with dignity and autonomy. Generally when we talk about disabilities, we talk about enabling people to live with dignity and autonomy and to be connected to the rest of the world. That is exactly what Teach an Saol does, not just for Pádraig but also for many individuals. From their day service, they developed a wonderful proposal for a Teach an Saol rehabilitation, residential and community centre. The concept has moved from a concept to a fully fledged business case and development plan. Land has been secured. I give credit to Deputy Paul McAuliffe, the TD for Dublin North-West, including Ballymun, for securing that land with Dublin City Council. The council came on board and the HSE, to be fair to it, has also done so. Ministers have visited, which I acknowledge. I also acknowledge that €1.3 million has already been allocated for the project. I accept and believe it is excellent that there is €27 million in capital funding for disability services in 2025 alone. However, this is urgent. Every minute, hour or day that passes matters for a person with a severe acquired brain injury. It matters more than it matters for any of us, for whom minutes and hours fly by. The power of what is being, and can be, delivered at Teach an Saol is enormous. I hope the Minister of State can update the Seanad on where the HSE and Department of Health stand on delivering the purpose-built residential and rehabilitative centre for Teach an Saol in Ballymun.

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I sincerely thank Senator Fitzpatrick for raising this important issue and for the opportunity to provide an update on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who is, unfortunately, abroad at the G20 forum.

The Government shares Senator Fitzpatrick's commitment to improving disability services and ensuring individuals with severe acquired brain injuries receive both the care and rehabilitation they need. In budget 2026, €43 million has been allocated for disabilities capital projects, representing a 60% increase on the figure for 2025. Under the national development plan, capital ceilings will rise to €74 million by 2030, enabling a €278 million investment over five years. The multi-annual capital strategy aligns with the Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026 and the new National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030.

As the Senator has outlined, Teach an Saol is a vital initiative to provide long-term intensive rehabilitation for people with severe acquired injuries, reducing their reliance on institutional care and promoting independence. The project is progressing through the HSE's capital approval process to ensure compliance with the strategic health investment framework. Phase 1, comprising therapy and social hubs, has passed through the alignment process and is with the HSE capital planning expert group for consideration. If approved, a capital submission for funding from 2026 onwards will proceed. HSE capital and estates is working closely with An Saol to advance this. It is important to note that phase 1 does not include residential respite or assisted living. These may be considered under phase 2 and will be subject to a separate approval and resources process.

The Government is committed to disability rights, as demonstrated by UNCRPD implementation through the national human rights strategy. Organisations like Teach an Saol are central to this vision. We will continue to support their work through funding, policy and strong collaboration. The Government and the Department of Health are very much committed to building an inclusive society where every person with a disability has the opportunity to live both independently and with dignity. Teach an Saol is part of that journey. We are very much working to ensure its progress.

Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
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I appreciate that this does not relate to the Minister of State's Department or area of responsibility. I accept that the Minister is out of the country but I am nonetheless very disappointed that not one of the Ministers of State from the Department of Health could make himself or herself available to respond on this very important Commencement matter. I would like that to be relayed to the Minister's office. The update on the strategic healthcare investment framework indicated that phase 1 is progressing through that, is under consideration by the HSE capital planning expert group and, "If approved, a capital submission to secure capital funding from 2026 and onwards can be considered." That sounds to me like, "How long is a piece of string?" I will genuinely walk out of here today none the wiser. I do not think that is good enough. I just do not think it is good enough for a project of this significance and potential value, particularly as this is a model of best-in-class, world-class healthcare that is not being provided elsewhere in the country. The HSE or the Department of Health did not initiate or deliver it, but have evaluated and accepted it as world class in its standard and have no issues with the quality of care. In fact, they commend it as a model, yet they are moving at a glacial pace. All they are being asked to do is provide the funding. A project team has been put in place by Teach An Saol by people who are giving voluntarily of their own time, talents and skills. All the State is being asked to provide in this instance is the funding. I really do not think that should take as long as it is taking.

I genuinely appreciate the Minister of State attending today. I am sorry to send him back with this message, but I need him to go back with the loud and clear message to the Minister and the Department that it is not good enough. The reply is absolutely not good enough.

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will certainly take back the Senator's frustration in regard to the response to the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. As she said, it is very important to shine a light on where the phase 1 review is currently at. I will seek clarity in regard to that from the HSE capital planning expert group. We are all in agreement that we need to make more effort in regard to the promotion of community inclusion and reducing the reliance on institutional care. As she eloquently expressed and outlined, this Teach An Saol project complements many of the initiatives through Sláintecare and under the UNCRPD. While we have increased the capital budget within disability services, which has increased significantly through a multi-annual strategy, we need to look at how projects are prioritised. These types of projects that have already been initiated should be prioritised. We should be looking at investment that is aligned with the national disability policy. I again thank the Senator for raising this. I will take her message back to the Minister.