Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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499. To ask the Minister for Health the national and-or regional supports available for those who have suffered brain injury; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52713/13]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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522. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the lack of a dedicated adolescent rehabilitation unit for teenagers who have suffered an acquired brain injury; if his attention has been drawn to the lack of support group or organisation for affected teenagers; if his attention has been drawn to the devastation caused to teenagers as a result of these injuries; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a teenage brain can recover more swiftly and better if the correct supports are put in place; if he will take immediate action to tackle this issue and provide for an adolescent support unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52874/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 499 and 522 together.

The supports provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to people with brain injury involves a multi-disciplinary team approach and incorporates Acute Hospital Services, the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Primary Care, Community Services, Long-term assisted living supports and Rehabilitative training services. These services are provided directly by the HSE and a number of non-statutory organisations. Within Disability Services, Headway Ireland and Acquired Brain Injury Ireland are the two main organisations funded to meet the needs of such persons.

As the Deputies' questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputies.