Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Health when the neuro-rehabilitation strategy, which has been under development for three years, will be published; if funding will be provided for the implementation of the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14143/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Working Group established by the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to develop a national policy and strategy for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services has completed its work and formally signed of on key recommendations on 20th May last. The report recognises that given the current economic climate, the focus in the short to medium term has to be on reconfiguration of services, structures and resources and the enhancement of the skills and competencies required to meet the changing context.

The HSE National Service Plan for 2011 includes a commitment to appoint a national clinical lead for rehabilitation, develop an implementation plan and an implementation structure for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services. In this context, the Quality and Clinical Care Directorate of the HSE, as part of its development of clinical care programmes, has established a Rehabilitation Medicine Programme, led by a team of national experts. The three main objectives of the Rehabilitation Medicine Programme are to improve the quality of care; improve access to services and improve cost effectiveness.

The Working Group's report is currently with the Minister for consideration and it is expected that it will be published in the near future.