Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 295: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on classifying acquired brain injury as a separate category of disability in view of the fact that it is currently classed, as a physical and sensory disability which has not been reviewed in almost four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6026/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring to data on the National Physical and Sensory Disability Database (NPSDD).

Firstly, I would like to point out that the process of reviewing records on that database commenced, in line with instructions to the Health Research Board (HRB) who operate that database on behalf of the Department of Health and Children, by the NPSDD Committee in January of this year.

Furthermore, I am aware of concerns raised by the voluntary sector, including Headway Ireland, in relation to Acquired Brain Injury highlighting that the nature of data collection for the NPSDD does not reflect the cognitive and emotional aspects of ABI. The HRB are about to commence an exercise to examine the data from and process of data collection as compared to the assessment conducted by Headway and to produce recommendations on how best to capture the needs of this particular group of individuals. The HRB are awaiting a confirmation date from the agency concerned as regards commencing the project which will be in the near future.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans for a national centre for people with acquired brain injury; if such a centre will provide both inpatient and outpatient services for patients and their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6027/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department is currently examining the development of a rehabilitation action plan for people with disabilities including those with Acquired Brain Injury.

In the last two years the Health Service Executive (HSE), have undertaken specific actions in regard to service provision for people with Acquired Brain Injury, such as the expansion of neurological services and the planned development of the rehabilitation capacity in the National Rehabilitation Hospital and Merlin Park Hospital.

Furthermore funding is provided on an ongoing basis to agencies in the voluntary sector for service provision and advocacy for people with acquired brain injuries.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding provided to agencies dealing with acquired brain injury over the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6028/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.