Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Health the plans he has to increase the number of rehabilitation medical consultants; his views on the fact that in 2011, 38% of persons with neurological conditions waited longer then six months to be diagnosed and 42% waited more then six months for a service to be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11997/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The report entitled "National Policy and Strategy for the Provision of the Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011 - 2015" was jointly commissioned by the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) and published in December 2011. The report sets out a clear policy with a recommended service framework that, when implemented, will ensure that the services are delivered in the most appropriate, most effective and most efficient way.

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 is committed to developing an implementation plan and an implementation structure for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services, in close collaboration with the HSE Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Programme.

In relation to the more detailed information requested by the Deputy I have forwarded the question to the HSE who will respond directly to you.