Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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66. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of the Health Service Executive's neuro-rehabilitation policy published in 2011; if he is aware that organisations such as Spinal Injuries Ireland do not believe this policy has been implemented; when he will adhere to this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13673/16]

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.

The National Policy & Strategy for the Provision of Neuro-rehabilitation Services in Ireland Report made a number of recommendations for services for people with rehabilitation needs which covered clinical, therapeutic, social, vocational and community supports. Following the development of the Neuro-rehabilitation Policy & Strategy, the Health Service Executive established the Rehabilitation Medicine Programme, to ensure the optimal care pathway for different clinical needs. The scope of the Rehabilitation Medicine Programme covers the whole of the patient journey from self-management and prevention through primary, secondary and tertiary care. These Programmes provide a national, strategic and coordinated approach to a wide range of clinical services. They include the standardization of access to and delivery of, high quality, safe and efficient hospital services nationally, as well as better linkages with primary care services. The Rehabilitation Medicine Programme has almost completed the Model of Care for the provision of specialist rehabilitation services in Ireland, which will be the basis for the delivery of services.

At the same time, the HSE Disability Services Division has a role in the provision of Neuro-rehabilitation services, primarily the provision of community based therapy services and personal social services. As part of the Transforming Lives programme, the programme to implement the recommendations of the Value for Money & Policy Review of Disability Services, the HSE is focusing on disability funded rehabilitation services to encourage reconfiguration of existing provision through the establishment of demonstration sites. Close links are being maintained with the Rehabilitation Medicine Programme to ensure that there is no duplication of effort and that all initiatives receive optimal support.

Alongside these developments, the Government announced a major development of the National Rehabilitation Hospital with a commitment of around €40 million. The new development will deliver a 120 bed ward capacity, including support therapies, paediatric and acquired brain injury wards, a hydrotherapy unit and a sports hall.

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 & Strategy for Neuro-rehabilitation services, which has been circulated to members of the steering group and stakeholder agencies for consultation. Following feedback, the implementation framework will be revised and will guide and oversee the reconfiguration and development of Neuro-rehabilitation structures and services at national and local level.