David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress that the working group on rehabilitation services in the Health Service Executive has made in the development of a strategic plan for regional rehabilitation services; the discussions or meetings her Department has had with the HSE in relation to same; when she expects the working group and her Department to be in a position to develop and implement a policy in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24812/08]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The proposed National Strategy for the Provision of Rehabilitation Services is currently in the early stages of development by the Department of Health and Children and HSE. To date a number of planning meetings have been held between the Department and the HSE with the first Working Group meeting due to take place in July. It is expected that the Strategy will:

Define the scope of rehabilitation services

Research best practice approaches to rehabilitation services

Assess the need of the population

Outline a model of service delivery that will encompass all stages of service required to meet the needs of service users

Recommend a framework that will ensure that service developments are within an agreed national framework with common principles

Develop an approach in line with the transformation of HSE services toward increased delivery at primary care level.

The strategy will focus on the service provision needs of the following categories:

Static and progressive neurological conditions;

Traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury; and

Other physically disabling conditions who may benefit from medical, psychological or social rehabilitation service provision.

It is anticipated that the Working Group will complete its work by the end of the year.