Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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375. To ask the Minister for Health if he will examine reinstating home based brain rehabilitation services; the cost of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17980/16]

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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376. To ask the Minister for Health the brain rehabilitation services available for persons currently waiting for admission to rehabilitation services or home based rehabilitation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17981/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 375 and 376 together.

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 & Strategy for Neuro-rehabilitation services, which has been circulated to members of the steering group and stakeholder agencies.

As the Deputy's questions relate 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.