Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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55. To ask the Minister for Health when the neuro-rehabilitation policy will be implemented including the development of inpatient rehabilitation services, the establishment of community neuro-rehabilitation teams and long-term investment in rehabilitation specific services in communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37896/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Programme for Partnership Government includes a commitment to publish "a plan for advancing neuro-rehabilitation services in the community."

It is recognised that the situation with regard to accessing specialist neuro-rehabilitation services needs to be reviewed. Significant steps towards finding a resolution were taken with the publication in 2011 of theNational Policy and Strategy for the Provision of Neuro-rehabilitation Services Ireland 2011-2015. The Rehabilitation Medicine Programme has also been developed within the Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate of the Health Service Executive.

A National Steering Group, chaired by the Head of the HSE’s Disability Reform Team, has completed an implementation framework in respect of the recommendations from the National Policy and Strategy. Membership of this Group includes representation from the HSE National Clinical Programmes for Rehabilitation Medicine and Neurology, HSE Primary Care, the Department of Health, Therapy Professions and the Neurological Alliance of Ireland. The Group is currently considering feedback on the framework, which was circulated to wider stakeholder interest groups. The HSE intends to finalise and progress implementation of the framework for the Neuro-rehabilitation Strategy in 2017.

In addition, capital funding is committed for the re-development of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire. This funding will provide a new purpose-built 120 bed hospital with integrated therapy and support services on the Dun Laoghaire campus. It is expected that construction will commence in 2017.