Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 314: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views in regard to documentation (details supplied) in relation to acquired brain injury; the assistance, resources or facilities that are available from her Department to the persons to deal with their major problems; the proposals she has to address this health issue; the meetings she has had with the Health Services Executive to deal with this very important matter; the results of the meetings; the meetings she has had with the Department of Education and Science in relation to the matter; the results of such a meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8785/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department has considered various representations made by non-governmental agencies and individuals who have an interest in the area. The outcomes of such representations assist in policy development in this regard.

My Department is currently examining the development of a rehabilitation action plan for people with disabilities including those with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).

In the last two years the Health Service Executive (HSE), and the voluntary sector funded by the HSE, have undertaken specific actions in regard to service provision for people with ABI, such as the expansion of neurological services and the planned development of the rehabilitation capacity in the National Rehabilitation Hospital and Merlin Park Hospital. The issue of ABI, and service planning and provision for people with ABI has been, and continues to be a matter for discussion and examination between my Department and the HSE.

The Department of Health and Children and the Department of Education have regular discussions on a range of issues, including service provision for people with disabilities. Most recently these discussions have focused on the implementation of Part II of the Disability Act 2005 and the Education for Persons with Special Education Needs Act, 2004.

Elements of 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.