Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1138. To ask the Minister for Health if he has received a business proposal from the HSE in regard to the designation of part of St. Joseph's campus in County Longford as an acquired brain injury unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1140/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for Partnership Government includes a commitment to publish a "plan for advancing neuro-rehabilitation services in the community". A National Steering Group, chaired by the Head of the Health Service Executive's (HSE's) Disability Reform Team, has completed an implementation framework in respect of the recommendations from the National Policy and Strategy for the Provision of Neuro-rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015. 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.

Under the Health Act 2004, the HSE is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. I understand that the HSE is obliged to consider proposals for specialised residential services for people with acquired brain injury, such as that referred to by the Deputy, in the broader context of the finalisation of the implementation framework and available resources.