Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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54. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to encourage inclusion of a dedicated acquired brain injury pathway of care, supported by a specific programme of investment, in the 2016 Health Service Executive annual service plan; his plans for the development of regional and community based rehabilitation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42907/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Brain injury health services are provided across a range of health settings, by different organisations and by many health professionals and carers. The Health Service Executive (HSE) Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate have a number of clinical programmes that are working in the area of brain injury, including neurology, epilepsy, stroke and rehabilitation medicine. The clinical programmes are focusing on reducing waiting times/lists, addressing disease specific pathways and models of care with a view to developing a national framework for the management of long-term neurological conditions. The HSE also provide services for those with acquired brain injury through Primary Care Teams with community based therapy services and personal social services, often funded through partner agencies in the non-statutory sector.

A Steering Group led by the HSE Social Care Division, with representation from the National Clinical Programmes for Rehabilitation Medicine and Neurology, Department of Health, Primary Care, Therapy Professions and the Neurological Alliance of Ireland has been assigned the task of developing an implementation framework for the National Policy & Strategy for Neuro-Rehabilitation Services. Once the implementation framework has been agreed by the Steering Group, it will then go for consultation to the wider stakeholder interest groups. Following consultation, the framework will be revised and will guide and oversee the reconfiguration and development of neuro-rehabilitation structures and services at national and local level.

In August 2015, my colleague, the Minister for Health, announced an additional €15 million for the redevelopment of the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dun Laoghaire. This allocation will now enable the NRH and the HSE to proceed with a new 120 bed building on the Dun Laoghaire campus. The redeveloped facility will be purpose built to accommodate integrated therapy services, hydrotherapy and sports facilities.

The financial position in relation to the HSE National Service Plan for 2016 has yet to be finalised. It is not possible at this time to give an indication of the funding to be allocated by the HSE through the Disability Services Programme for acquired brain injury services.

In relation to plans for the development of regional and community based rehabilitation services, as this aspect of the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.