Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Service Executive to publish a national programme for neurological care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43726/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The Director of the Office of Quality and Clinical Care in the HSE, met the Irish Consultant Neurologists' Association earlier this year to discuss how best to move neurology services in Ireland forward. Following these discussions it was agreed to set up national programmes on stroke management, epilepsy and access for neurology outpatients. These programmes were established in the summer and are currently in the planning phase of the process. The setting up of these programmes shows both the importance that the HSE gives to neurological care, and its commitment to improving access to neurological services. Specifically, plans for epilepsy and stroke will include developing protocols of care and delivering expert care closer to people's homes as well as in the expert centres and will have a focus on patient advocacy. Additional revenue funding of almost €8m has been allocated to the HSE between 2006 and 2009 for the overall development of services in the area of neurosciences.