Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 871: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the closure of a premises (details supplied) in County Kerry [26433/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 872: To ask the Minister for Health his plans for persons suffering from acquired brain injury; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26434/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Current health services available to persons with acquired brain injury include: Acute Hospital Services; the National Rehabilitation Hospital; multi-disciplinary community services; long term assisted living supports and rehabilitative training services. These services are provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and a number of non-statutory organisations. Within Disability Services, the two main organisations that are funded to meet the needs of service users with acquired brain injury nationally are Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and Headway Ireland.

On Tuesday 22nd May, 2012, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Health announced a significant development at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, replacing the existing 120 bed compliment and therapy accommodation, which demonstrates this Government's commitment to the delivery of healthcare infrastructure as set out in our Programme for Government.

The HSE is committed to the implementation of the recommendations of the report published in December 2011 - The National Policy and Strategy for the Provision of Neuro-rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011 - 2015 - and to achieve the objectives of the Rehabilitation Medicine Programme. The HSE National Service Plan for 2012 outlines the focus for service development as follows: The development of Regional Networks and local rehabilitation teams;

· Development of regional in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation facilities;

· Integration of services;

· Development of protocols that will have mandatory compliance across the delivery system;

· Reconfiguration of existing resources;

· Achieving greater cost-effectiveness through the development of greater competencies by those tasked with delivering services;

· Increased teamwork and using interdisciplinary approaches; and

· More inter-agency collaborative working.

There is now a clear policy with a recommended service framework, that, when implemented, will ensure that Neuro-Rehabilitation services are developed for those we serve in the most appropriate, effective and efficient way. I know that with the commitment of the Health Service Executive and service providers to the implementation process, we can achieve improved rehabilitation services for those persons with a neurological illness or injury, including those with acquired brain injury, or with a significant physical disability.