Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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793. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons with brain injuries in acute hospitals who are awaiting transfer to the National Rehabilitation Hospital; the number who have completed their therapeutic stay at the National Rehabilitation Hospital and are being held there awaiting transfer to a suitable care facility in the community, who are awaiting transfer pending upgrade to their home or a care package, who have a functional disability and brain injury and who are inappropriately placed in nursing homes, that is, where the specialist services and facilities required to support their care are not available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10127/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

With regard to Neuro-rehabilitation services, the Programme for Partnership Government places a particular focus on publishing a plan for advancing Neuro-rehabilitation services in the community. Currently a steering group led by the Health Service Executive 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 drafted an implementation framework for the National Policy and Strategy for Neuro-rehabilitation services, which has been circulated to members of the steering group and stakeholder agencies.

As 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.